French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will deploy military resources to Saudi Arabia to protect the strategic Red Sea port city of Yanbu. This decision comes as the city, crucial for energy transport, faces growing threats from missile attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis. Macron emphasized that the deployment aims to protect the site without getting involved in any conflicts.
During a primetime television interview, Macron addressed various international issues, including the potential threat of Russian attacks on French soil. He warned that a US ban on diesel exports, which the White House has denied is under consideration, would have catastrophic consequences for both the global and US economies. Macron's comments come as crude oil prices have surged due to the attacks on Saudi oil exports through Yanbu.
Macron assured the French public that the country has adequate gas and oil supplies as winter approaches. He stated that Paris is actively working to ensure that energy flows are not disrupted. The French government is taking steps to mitigate the impact of high energy prices, which have been a growing concern for the country.
The French President also addressed a report by Spanish newspaper El Mundo, which claimed that the US Central Intelligence Agency had warned European governments about potential drone attacks from the Mediterranean. Macron denied the report, stating that the CIA did not inform French services about such threats. However, he emphasized that Russia is multiplying hostile and criminal acts against European countries.
Macron revealed that he had gathered French party chiefs at the Elysee to brief them on the growing threat from Russia. He ordered his government to draw up a plan to protect critical infrastructure against drone and cyber attacks. Macron accused Moscow of seeking to intimidate Europe and break the continent's resolve in supporting Ukraine.
Russia has denied European allegations of hybrid attacks, calling them baseless and the result of anti-Russian hysteria. However, Macron's position on Russia was weakened this week after France exempted Russian-Uzbek metals tycoon Alisher Usmanov from EU sanctions, citing national security concerns. This move prompted Azerbaijan to pardon a French national jailed for espionage.
The deployment of French military resources to Yanbu is part of a broader effort to protect critical infrastructure and ensure the security of energy transport. Macron's government is taking a proactive approach to addressing the growing threats from Russia and the Houthis. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing tensions between Europe and Russia, and France is taking steps to bolster its defenses and support its allies.
Key points
- France will send troops and defence systems to Saudi Arabia to protect the Red Sea port city of Yanbu.
- Macron denied that the CIA informed French services about potential drone attacks from the Mediterranean.
- Russia has denied European allegations of hybrid attacks, calling them baseless and the result of anti-Russian hysteria.
