PARIS/LONDON: France and the United Kingdom have announced separate measures to support 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 refuelling support for Saudi aircraft.
The French offer was confirmed by a diplomatic source, who said Paris was prepared to contribute to the security of Saudi energy infrastructure under a “strictly defensive” framework. The source stressed that 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 become increasingly significant as Houthi attacks expand toward Saudi Arabia’s western coast.
The Houthis have claimed attacks targeting Aramco facilities in Yanbu, adding to concerns about the vulnerability of Saudi energy infrastructure. The East-West Pipeline has also come under security pressure and was reportedly shut following drone attacks.
The approximately 1,200-kilometre East-West Pipeline connects oil-producing areas in eastern Saudi Arabia with Yanbu on the Red Sea, allowing crude to reach the Red Sea without passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Its security is therefore closely linked to global energy markets and the movement of oil from the Gulf to international markets.
Britain approves air-refuelling mission
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 refuelling for Saudi aircraft. The assistance is expected to be time-limited, initially lasting several weeks, and will involve a British RAF Voyager tanker aircraft.
The purpose of the mission is to allow Saudi fighter aircraft to remain airborne for longer while responding to incoming threats. British officials have described the support 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 decision to the need to protect regional stability and keep important economic and transport routes open.
Wider regional concerns
The announcements from Paris and London come as the security situation around the Red Sea, Gulf and Bab el-Mandeb becomes increasingly complicated.
Houthi attacks involving missiles and drones have extended the security challenge beyond Yemen’s borders, while disruptions affecting 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 watching the situation. Reuters reported on Tuesday that crude prices rose as investors weighed renewed Middle East tensions and possible diplomatic developments involving the United States and Iran.
For Saudi Arabia, the immediate priority is protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining the flow of energy. For France and Britain, the latest measures underline a distinction between defensive assistance and direct involvement in the conflict.
