Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missiles as France pledges to protect oil port
Saudi forces intercepted ballistic missiles after warnings covering several regions including Mecca, as France said it would send military assets to help protect the Yanbu oil terminal.

Saudi Arabia intercepted ballistic missiles launched by Yemen's Houthi movement on Thursday, after the kingdom had earlier warned several regions, including Mecca, of possible attacks.
France separately announced it would send military assets to help protect the Saudi oil terminal at Yanbu, a key node in the kingdom's energy export infrastructure, amid the renewed hostilities.
Renewed fighting in Yemen
The missile attacks and interceptions came amid a resurgence of fighting in Yemen that has killed dozens of people, according to sources cited by the AFP news agency.
The warnings issued ahead of the attacks, which extended to Mecca, underscore the geographic reach of the threat Saudi authorities were preparing to counter, even though the interceptions ultimately prevented the missiles from striking their intended targets.
France's pledge to help protect the Yanbu terminal reflects international concern over the potential disruption of Saudi energy exports amid the ongoing conflict involving the Houthi movement.
Sources
- Saudi reports fresh Houthi attacks as France pledges to defend key oil port — France 24 — English
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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