Konflikt mit Huthi im Jemen: Frankreichs Militär will Ölhafen in Saudi-Arabien schützen

Frankreich's military intends to protect a crucial Saudi Arabian oil terminal in Yanbu, Yemen, from the Houthi rebel group, according to President Emmanuel Macron. The talks with Saudi Arabia concluded today, he said during a Thursday evening interview with TF1 and France 2. The conflict is not about involvement in the conflict itself, but rather the protection of the important oil terminal.

Yanbu is the second-largest oil producer after the USA and a key exporter of crude oil, which is vital to the global economy. The vital east-west pipeline bypasses the Hormuz Strait, which is practically blocked, transporting large quantities of oil from the eastern coast to Yanbu on the western side of the Red Sea. The 1,200-kilometer long pipes were temporarily suspended after attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen around two weeks ago.

Reports suggest oil is flowing again through the pipeline, but at significantly reduced capacity due to attack damage. The maximum capacity is up to seven million barrels per day. Macron stated that the facilities in Yanbu were "severely damaged" during the Houthi attacks. France does not wish to engage in the conflict, but only protect the important oil terminal.

The stabilization of Yanbu could lower petrol prices, as five million barrels of crude oil are unloaded daily through Yanbu, directly impacting petrol prices. Macron is under domestic pressure due to high petrol prices, just like US President Donald Trump, who has called for more engagement from US allies in the region. Macron did not provide specific numbers on the number of French soldiers to be sent to Saudi Arabia or the military systems to be sent there, but mentioned radar installations, implying that the primary focus of the deployment would be air defense to counter potential drone or ballistic missile attacks from the Houthi.

Britain recently pledged defensive military aid to Saudi Arabia in its fight against the Houthis, including aircraft for aerial refueling. When asked if French fighter jets were planned, Macron responded that it was not currently being considered. "We will observe the developments and then act as necessary," he said. France has fighter jets in the region.

The Houthi rebels threaten oil exports to Asia since the beginning of the Iran war in late February and the near-blockade of the Hormuz Strait by Iranian threats and attacks on ships. Saudi Arabia is trying to prevent a further drop in its oil exports using the pipeline, but now even the alternative route through the Red Sea is partly threatened.

The Houthis control the Yemeni Red Sea coast and strategically important islands, potentially blocking Saudi ships from passing through the Bab al-Mandab strait, which must pass through to reach Europe via the Suez Canal.