Saudi air defenses down six Houthi missiles as France pledges security support

Saudi air defense forces intercepted and destroyed six Houthi ballistic missiles targeting the Red Sea port city of Yanbu and the southern province of Taif on Thursday, as French President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment of French troops, radar units, and air defense systems to secure Saudi Arabia's critical energy infrastructure.

How did the latest missile attacks and French military commitment unfold?

The missile interceptions followed emergency civil defense alerts issued across several key Saudi regions, including Taif, Yanbu, Jeddah, Tabuk, and the holy city of Mecca. Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki confirmed that air defense batteries successfully thwarted the strikes, warning that escalation by the Houthi militia would be met with firm military action. The Houthis claimed responsibility for launching a coordinated barrage of missiles and drones targeting military installations and Aramco energy infrastructure in Yanbu and Riyadh.

In response to mounting threats against Red Sea energy supply lines, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed in a televised interview that Paris had finalized an agreement with Riyadh to dispatch military personnel, radar systems, and defensive equipment to shield the Yanbu export terminal. Macron emphasized that the deployment aims to protect vital oil transport infrastructure—which handles up to five million barrels per day—to help stabilize global energy markets, rather than engaging directly in offensive combat operations.

What is the status of ground fighting and regional diplomatic responses?

The aerial engagements coincide with severe ground battles across Yemen between Houthi fighters and forces aligned with the internationally recognized Yemeni government. Over 150 combatants were killed within a 24-hour span, primarily in heavy clashes across the Kahboub Mountains and highlands overlooking the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait as Houthi forces attempt to consolidate control over newly seized coastal territory and vital supply routes.

Addressing regional tensions in an interview with Fox News, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected assertions that Tehran directs Houthi operations, stating that the group acts independently in response to regional pressures. Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed deep alarm over rising civilian casualties, while Saudi Arabia announced plans for an urgent chiefs-of-staff meeting alongside regional partners to coordinate security measures for the kingdom.