France to Deploy Troops to Saudi Arabia to Guard Red Sea Oil Facilities

France will send troops, radar, and defense systems to Saudi Arabia to protect critical oil infrastructure in the Red Sea port of Yanbu. President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment, emphasizing that France is not entering any conflict but aims to secure the vital energy supply route. This decision was made in coordination with Saudi authorities.

The move comes in response to recent attacks on Yanbu's oil facilities, including a drone strike on a pipeline and a Houthi attack on the Yasref refinery. These incidents have disrupted global fuel markets and contributed to a diesel supply crisis. Yanbu serves as a key hub for Saudi oil exports to Europe, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.