France and Britain have announced separate defensive measures to help Saudi Arabia protect critical energy infrastructure amid escalating Houthi missile and drone attacks.
PARIS/LONDON: France and the United Kingdom have announced separate measures to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s defensive capabilities as escalating Houthi missile and drone attacks raise concerns over the security of the kingdom’s energy infrastructure and vital regional trade routes.
France has offered to help protect key Saudi energy facilities in Yanbu and along the East-West oil pipeline, while Britain has approved limited defensive air-to-air refueling support for Saudi aircraft.
A French diplomatic source confirmed that Paris was prepared to contribute to the security of Saudi energy infrastructure under a “strictly defensive” framework. The source said the assistance would not amount to French participation in the conflict with the Houthis.
Why Yanbu matters
Yanbu, a major Red Sea port, hosts important oil-processing and energy facilities operated by Saudi Aramco. The area has gained greater strategic significance as Houthi attacks have expanded toward Saudi Arabia’s western coast.
The Houthis have claimed attacks targeting Aramco facilities in Yanbu, increasing concerns over the vulnerability of Saudi energy infrastructure. The East-West Pipeline has also faced security pressure and was reportedly shut following drone attacks.
The roughly 1,200-kilometer East-West Pipeline connects oil-producing areas in eastern Saudi Arabia with Yanbu on the Red Sea. It allows crude oil to reach the Red Sea without passing through the Strait of Hormuz, making its security relevant to international energy supplies and oil transportation.
Britain approves air-refueling support
Britain has taken a separate step after Saudi Arabia requested military assistance following intensified Houthi attacks.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said London had approved defensive air-to-air refueling for Saudi aircraft. The support is expected to be time-limited, initially lasting several weeks, and will involve a British Royal Air Force Voyager tanker aircraft.
The mission is intended to allow Saudi fighter aircraft to remain airborne for longer while responding to incoming threats. British officials have described the assistance as defensive rather than participation in offensive strikes against Houthi positions.
The deployment is expected to begin within days and will be kept under review, according to reports. The British government has linked the measure to efforts to protect regional stability and keep important economic and transport routes open.
Wider regional concerns
The announcements from Paris and London come as security concerns around the Red Sea, Gulf and Bab el-Mandeb continue to grow.
Houthi missile and drone attacks have extended the security challenge beyond Yemen, while threats to energy infrastructure and shipping routes have raised concerns among international governments.
The developments also come amid broader diplomatic efforts involving the United States and other countries seeking to contain the wider regional conflict.
The G7 foreign ministers on Tuesday called for an end to Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and urged Iran to stop supporting the group.
Oil markets are also closely monitoring developments. Reuters reported Tuesday that crude prices rose as investors assessed renewed Middle East tensions and possible diplomatic developments involving the United States and Iran.
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