France to Deploy Troops and Air Defenses to Protect Saudi Port City of Yanbu
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will deploy troops and air defense systems to Saudi Arabia to protect the key Red Sea energy port of Yanbu.
France will deploy troops and air defense systems to Saudi Arabia to help protect the Red Sea port city of Yanbu, a vital energy transit hub, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday.
Speaking in a comprehensive prime-time television interview on TF1 and France 2, Macron stated that a US diesel export ban would be catastrophic for both the global and American economies. He also warned of potential Russian hybrid threats on French soil amidst ongoing international tensions.
Addressing soaring energy prices and domestic pressure, Macron assured the French public that the country has secured sufficient gas and oil supplies ahead of the winter season, emphasizing that Paris is actively working to prevent supply disruptions.
Crude oil prices have surged recently as the primary alternative route for Saudi oil exports through Yanbu faced missile and drone attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Macron stressed that the military deployment aims strictly to protect the critical infrastructure site rather than involve France in regional conflicts.
