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France will send troops and defense systems to Saudi Arabia to support the protection of the port city of Yanbu, which is strategically important for the country’s energy shipments.
French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the move in an interview with “TF1” and “France 2” television channels. He said the resources Paris would deploy would include troops, radar systems and defensive equipment.
“We will send military resources — soldiers, radar systems and defensive equipment. Our aim is not to become involved in any conflict, but to protect this area,” Macron said.
Security of Yanbu port
Yanbu is one of the main alternative routes for Saudi Arabia’s oil exports. Security concerns surrounding the route have increased recently amid missile attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
As oil prices rise, Macron has sought to reassure the French public that the country has sufficient gas and oil reserves ahead of the winter season. The president said measures were being taken to prevent disruptions to energy flows.
Macron warns of possible Russian attacks
The French leader denied reports published by Spain’s “El Mundo” newspaper that the US Central Intelligence Agency had warned European governments about possible drone attacks from the Mediterranean. “The CIA did not provide information to the French services,” Macron said.
He also said Russia was demonstrating an increasingly hostile stance toward European countries and carrying out criminal acts. Macron noted that France could face strikes similar to the attempted attack planned in Leipzig but ultimately unsuccessful.
Germany said in August that Russia was behind an attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport. Last week, Macron received the leaders of France’s political parties at the Elysee Palace and briefed them on the growing threat from Russia. He later said he had instructed the government to prepare a plan to protect critical infrastructure from drone and cyberattacks.
According to Macron, Moscow is trying to intimidate Europe and weaken support for Ukraine. Russia, meanwhile, has dismissed European accusations over hybrid attacks as unfounded, describing them as the result of “hysteria against Russia.”
