PARIS — French military assistance provided to Saudi Arabia to counter threats from Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis is strictly defensive in nature, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot affirmed on Sunday during an appearance on state television network France 2.
The support, which includes the deployment of French troops, radar systems, and defensive weaponry, follows an announcement made by President Emmanuel Macron earlier this week.
Saudi Arabia has faced recurring missile and drone strikes from the Houthis, intensifying after a multi-year truce collapsed in July. These attacks have targeted critical infrastructure, including oil refineries and the strategic Red Sea port of Yanbu.
The Houthis aim to disrupt Saudi energy exports, which now route through the Red Sea following prior Iranian disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
When questioned about France’s role in the broader conflict, Barrot emphasized that Paris is not aligning as a belligerent. “Absolutely not… This is strictly defensive,” he said, adding that France has similarly deployed military assets to protect its allies amid escalations in the region.
“Does that mean we can be considered co-belligerents at any time? Never,” Barrot stated.
The extent of France’s military presence in Saudi Arabia will be determined by Riyadh’s needs and France’s operational capacity, according to the foreign minister.
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