President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday the dispatch of military assets to secure the city of Yanbu against attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia. France will deploy soldiers, radar systems, and air defense units to protect a Red Sea energy terminal that handled 5M barrels a day before recent strikes. Macron stated the force is intended to guard the facility and will not engage in broader combat operations in the regional conflict.

The deployment follows claims by the Houthis that they struck Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu and a sensitive site in Riyadh. While Saudi Arabia reported intercepting six ballistic missiles targeting Yanbu and Taif, Brent crude futures rose to $106.60 a barrel on supply fears. France's move follows limited military support from the UK and previous warnings from Aramco that shipments to European refiners would be suspended next month.