Saudi Arabia allies line up support as Houthi attacks mount

Saudi Arabia's allies are increasing support amid escalating Houthi attacks. France is deploying troops, radars, and defense systems to protect the crucial Yanbu oil terminal on the Red Sea. This move aims to safeguard the facility, which is vital for oil storage, refining, and transport. Concurrently, Saudi Arabia is holding military talks with Pakistan and Turkiye under their mutual defense pact. The foreign ministers of these nations met to arrange an urgent meeting of their military chiefs of staff, prompted by Houthi attacks that have targeted Saudi oil facilities and cities. While the defense pact treats an attack on one member as an attack on all, the specific actions of Pakistan and Turkiye remain uncertain as they are also involved in mediation efforts.

France will deploy troops to Saudi Arabia to defend a key oil terminal in the port of Yanbu. President Emmanuel Macron announced this decision on Thursday, stating that France will provide soldiers and military support. This action comes in response to new missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, for which the Iran-backed Houthi militia has claimed responsibility. Saudi authorities reported intercepting missiles aimed at Yanbu and the city of Taif. The deployment aims to bolster the protection of vital Saudi oil infrastructure amidst escalating Houthi attacks.