France pledges military assets to protect Saudi oil port Yanbu amid Houthi attacks

Saudi Arabia intercepts incoming missiles

The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting six ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis on Thursday. These projectiles were aimed at the southern province of Taif and the Yanbu area on the Red Sea. It remains unclear whether any damage or casualties occurred in those locations after emergency alerts were issued for regions including Jeddah and Makkah.

Houthis claim attacks on military sites

Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree stated the group attacked Saudi military sites in Jazan province using dozens of missiles and drones. He described the targets as operations rooms, command centres, weapons depots, and missile launch sites near the Yemeni border. There was no immediate confirmation from Saudi Arabia regarding these specific claims.

France sends military resources to Yanbu

President Macron confirmed during an interview that French military assets including radars would be deployed to shield the site. He noted that while troops and defence systems would arrive, the French military would not participate in combat operations. This move comes as fighting intensifies in Yemen and threatens global oil supplies through the Red Sea.