Saudi reports fresh Houthi attacks as France offers military support

On Thursday, Saudi Arabia intercepted Houthi ballistic missiles following warnings for several regions including Mecca, as France pledged to provide military assistance to protect the important Saudi oil terminal of Yanbu. The attacks took place amid ongoing fighting in Yemen between Houthi rebels and government forces backed by Riyadh, resulting in dozens of casualties on both sides.

The recent escalation follows a renewed conflict that broke out in July, shattering a long-standing truce in Yemen. The Houthis have imposed a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, targeting its tankers, territory, and coastal areas vital for oil exports. This has strengthened Iran and its allies' control over crucial maritime routes used by Saudi Arabia and other top crude exporters to ship their oil and fuel products.

The Saudi-led coalition supporting the Yemeni government's forces stated that six ballistic missiles were intercepted, preventing attacks on Taif and Yanbu. The Saudi Civil Defense had previously issued alerts for Mecca, Yanbu, and other regions, which were lifted shortly afterward. With mounting pressure, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would send military assets, including soldiers, radars, and defense systems, to shield Yanbu.

This strategic Red Sea terminal is a critical node in Saudi Arabia's vast network of energy installations, handling the kingdom's primary crude exports and connected to its oil-producing regions via the East-West pipeline.