France will deploy troops, radar systems and defence equipment to Saudi Arabia to help protect the Red Sea port of Yanbu, French President Emmanuel Macron said. The France Yanbu deployment comes as attacks have increased around the strategic energy hub.
Macron said the French military resources would be used to protect the site rather than involve France directly in the wider regional conflict. Yanbu is an important route for Saudi oil exports and has gained greater significance amid disruptions affecting other energy routes.
The announcement comes as Saudi energy infrastructure faces attacks linked to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis. The strikes have raised concerns about the security of oil supplies and contributed to higher crude prices in international markets.
Macron also addressed energy concerns in France during a televised interview. Facing pressure over rising energy costs, he sought to reassure the public that the country had sufficient gas and oil supplies as winter approaches and said Paris was working to prevent disruptions to energy flows.
The France Yanbu deployment will include soldiers, radar systems and defence systems, although Macron did not provide details about the number of personnel or the specific equipment involved. The mission is focused on protecting the strategic site and its energy infrastructure.
Macron also discussed security concerns involving Russia and warned that European countries face what he described as increasing hostile activity. He said France could face threats involving drones and cyberattacks and said his government was preparing measures to protect critical infrastructure.
The French president further rejected a report that the US Central Intelligence Agency had warned European governments about possible drone attacks from the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, tensions over Russia, regional conflicts and energy security continue to shape France’s foreign and security policy as Paris seeks to protect strategic infrastructure and maintain energy supplies.
