French Minister Confirms Saudi Deployment Is 'Strictly Defensive' in First On-Record Statement

A French minister officially confirmed the French military deployment to Saudi Arabia is 'strictly defensive' in nature, providing the first on-the-record ministerial statement about the discreet security cooperation amid Houthi pressure. The confirmation marks a significant step in France's acknowledgment of its bilateral military presence protecting Saudi installations, including radar and air-defense systems at Yanbu.