French military support to Saudi Arabia ‘defensive’, says minister

Paris: French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated on Sunday that the French military support being provided to Saudi Arabia to counter attacks from Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen is strictly defensive. This statement came in response to President Emmanuel Macron's announcement on Thursday regarding the deployment of French troops, radar units, and defense systems to Saudi Arabia.

The conflict has escalated following the reignition of the Yemen war in July, after a prolonged truce ended. Saudi Arabia has been facing repeated missile and drone attacks from the Houthis, which have targeted its oil installations and the key oil terminal of Yanbu.

Barrot clarified that France's assistance does not imply a partnership in Saudi Arabia's war against the Houthis. He emphasized that France is strictly providing defensive support. Further explaining his stance, Barrot mentioned that since the initiation of the US-Israeli war against Iran, France has been deploying military assets to safeguard its allies and partners. He explicitly ruled out the possibility of France becoming co-belligerents at any point.

The minister also highlighted that the extent of the French deployment to Saudi Arabia would depend on Riyadh's requests, as well as France's own capabilities and the evolving situation in the region.