The
deployment follows Houthi claims of missile and drone attacks on Aramco
facilities in Yanbu and a site in Riyadh, with Saudi forces reporting interceptions
but no confirmed damage. Yanbu marks the western end of Saudi Arabia's
East-West pipeline, handling millions of barrels daily and bypassing Gulf
disruptions.
Macron emphasized the strictly defensive
mission, coordinated with Saudi authorities, amid the UK's similar air-defense
pledge and worries over regional escalation.
