Houthis fire missiles at Mecca; France deploys forces to defend Yanbu

Saudi Arabia intercepted a series of Houthi ballistic missiles on Thursday, triggering emergency alerts across multiple regions, including the holy city of Mecca. The Saudi National Guard confirmed the successful interception, preventing further casualties or infrastructure damage. This latest barrage marks a significant escalation in the conflict, as the Yemen-based group continues to target civilian and strategic sites deep inside the Kingdom. The attacks have raised immediate concerns among regional leaders about the stability of the Gulf and the potential for a wider regional war.

France announced it will deploy military assets to help protect the critical oil terminal at Yanbu, a key export hub on the Red Sea. Paris has long maintained a naval presence in the region, but this move signals a deeper commitment to securing global energy supply lines. The decision comes as renewed fighting in Yemen has killed dozens of people, according to sources cited by AFP. The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have intensified their operations in response to the ongoing war in Gaza. They view their attacks on Saudi shipping and infrastructure as a way to pressure the United States and its allies to intervene in the Middle East conflict.

The situation highlights the growing inseparability of the Yemeni civil war and the broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. For years, the Houthis have used long-range missiles and drones to target Saudi Arabia, but the frequency and accuracy of recent strikes suggest a significant upgrade in their capabilities. France’s involvement adds another layer of complexity to the regional dynamics. By positioning itself as a protector of Saudi infrastructure, France is asserting its influence in the Gulf while supporting a key partner. This move also underscores the vulnerability of global energy markets to regional instability.

Looking ahead, the next few weeks will likely see a tit-for-tat exchange of strikes. The Houthis have vowed to continue their attacks until the violence in Gaza ceases, while Saudi Arabia and its allies are expected to respond with targeted strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. International observers are watching closely to see if this escalation will draw in other major powers. The diplomatic track remains fragile, with little sign of a ceasefire in Gaza or a resolution to the Yemeni crisis. For now, the focus remains on maintaining air defenses and protecting vital economic assets, as the conflict shows no signs of de-escalating.