Saudi Arabia allies line up support as Houthi attacks mount

Saudi Arabia’s allies are rallying to support the country as the Houthi rebels step up attacks. France confirmed on Friday that it is sending troops to guard the major oil terminal at Yanbu. Meanwhile, Saudi officials are meeting with peers from Pakistan and Turkiye to discuss options under their mutual defence pact . French President Emmanuel Macron told broadcasters TF1 and France 2 that Paris is to send “soldiers, radars, and defence systems” to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. “Not to involve ourselves in any conflict, but to protect the site,” he said. Yanbu hosts major oil storage and refining facilities and is connected by the East-West Pipeline, which can carry up to seven million barrels a day.