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Macron Orders French Troops, Radars to Protect Yanbu

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 10:35 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

France Deploys Troops

France will deploy troops, radars and defense systems to protect Saudi Arabia's Yanbu oil complex.
President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment in a Thursday interview with TF1 and France 2.
The Houthi militia claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on Yanbu and Taif.
Saudi Arabia reported intercepting six ballistic missiles aimed at Yanbu and Taif.
Brent crude settled above $106 per barrel after the attacks, later falling to $105.60.

Summary

US Limits Involvement

AFP reported at least 150 Houthi and Yemeni government fighters killed in 24 hours around Bab al-Mandeb.
The United States limited involvement to intelligence sharing and advisory assistance, refusing new offensive strikes against the Houthis.
France maintains a base in Djibouti with roughly 1,500 troops and air, land, naval assets, easing Yanbu deployment.
The Mecca Alliance, signed 7 August, created a Riyadh secretariat and appointed Pakistan as its first secretary-general.

Summary

Trump Urges Allies

The 1,200-kilometre East-West pipeline was shut after September 10-11 drone attacks and now runs below pre-attack levels.
Macron said the Yanbu terminal is “severely damaged,” limiting its export capacity.
Analysts warn prolonged Yanbu disruption could force Europe to seek costlier alternative supplies.
President Donald Trump publicly urged American allies to show greater commitment in the Red Sea region.

History

Historical Context

In 1991 the U.S.-led coalition shielded Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil complex with more than 100 Patriot launchers, spending about $30 billion as Iraq fired 88 Scuds at the kingdom. That air-defence model now guides France’s deployment of troops and radar units to guard Yanbu against Houthi missile and drone strikes, aiming to keep Gulf oil flowing.

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France Deploys Troops

France will deploy troops, radars and defense systems to protect Saudi Arabia's Yanbu oil complex.
President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment in a Thursday interview with TF1 and France 2.
The Houthi militia claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on Yanbu and Taif.
Saudi Arabia reported intercepting six ballistic missiles aimed at Yanbu and Taif.
Brent crude settled above $106 per barrel after the attacks, later falling to $105.60.

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