French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will deploy troops, radars, and air defense systems to protect Saudi Arabia's Yanbu oil terminal. The deployment follows damage sustained by the facility from a recent Houthi attack.

Attack details

Yemen's Houthi movement claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu and what it described as a sensitive target in the Saudi capital Riyadh. The Houthis stated that their strikes targeted Saudi Aramco infrastructure located in Yanbu, a major industrial and port city on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. In addition to the Yanbu facilities, the group also claimed to have hit what it referred to as a sensitive target in Riyadh.

French military response

President Macron clarified that the French deployment is "not to engage in any conflict, but to protect this site." The intervention aims to secure the critical energy infrastructure following the confirmed damage from the Houthi strikes.

Strategic importance of Yanbu

The Yanbu oil terminal was exporting more than 5 million barrels a day before the strike. Saudi Aramco is one of the world's largest oil producers, and Yanbu serves as a key hub for the company's refining and export operations. The disruption highlights the vulnerability of major global supply routes in the Red Sea region.

The Houthis, based in Yemen, have previously carried out drone and missile attacks against Saudi infrastructure as part of the ongoing conflict in the region. No independent verification of the full extent of damage was available in initial reports, though Macron's statement confirms the facility was damaged.

Saudi Aramco plans to increase its Gulf exports to 60 million barrels for the months of September and October, according to traders.

The export boost targets shipments through the Strait of Hormuz during this period. This adjustment reflects ongoing supply optimization strategies by the state-owned energy giant.

Export Volume Details

The reported figure represents a specific volume target for the two-month window. Traders indicated that this level is intended to meet regional demand requirements while managing logistical constraints associated with the key shipping chokepoint.