France steps in to protect Saudi oil infrastructure as Houthi attacks intensify

France's military support to Saudi Arabia amid repeated attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels is "strictly defensive", French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Sunday, as Paris prepares to deploy troops, radar units and defence systems to help protect key energy infrastructure.Barrot's comments followed President Emmanuel Macron's announcement on Thursday that France would send military personnel and equipment to Saudi Arabia, particularly to help secure the Red Sea port of Yanbu.Asked whether the French deployment meant Paris had become a partner in Saudi Arabia's war against the Houthis, Barrot told state broadcaster France 2, "Absolutely not...