Macron besucht Saudi-Arabien zur Solidarität mit den Houthi-Angriffen

Yemen’s internationally recognized government forces announced they executed 835 strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets within a 24-hour period, claiming approximately 285 fighters and commanders were killed or wounded. Army spokesperson Colonel Majed Abdullah Al-Nazili stated these operations were conducted under the military campaign designated “Dawn of Yemen.” In parallel diplomatic moves, French President Emmanuel Macron made an unannounced visit to Riyadh, becoming the first Western leader to travel to the Kingdom since Houthi attacks intensified this month. The French presidency described the trip as a demonstration of solidarity with Saudi Arabia amidst the escalating conflict. Colonel Al-Nazili detailed that government troops utilized combat aircraft, drones, field artillery, rocket launchers, and sniper units to target Houthi positions, reinforcements, weapons, armored vehicles, fortifications, and supply routes. The military reported destroying or damaging roughly 190 military vehicles, pieces of equipment, and drones. These figures reflect official government claims and have not been independently verified. The military stated the operations aim to restrict the Houthis’ capacity to maneuver, regroup, and transfer reinforcements between battlefronts. This announcement follows a series of similar claims regarding heavy Houthi casualties during the ongoing offensive. On October 16, the military reported 1,292 strikes and more than 430 Houthi fighters and commanders neutralized. Government forces reported fresh territorial gains in Taiz and Marib provinces. Al-Nazili noted that troops, supported by local resistance fighters, repelled Houthi attempts to recapture positions in Taiz province in southwestern Yemen. On the northern and eastern fronts west of Marib, government forces continued employing armored units, artillery, and drones to target Houthi movements, fortifications, and weapons positions. President Macron arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday during an unannounced stop on a three-day Gulf tour covering five countries. He had previously visited Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. During the visit, Macron met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who serves as the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the two leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments and discussed coordinating efforts to enhance regional and international security and stability. They also reviewed the historical and strategic relations between the two nations and explored ways to strengthen cooperation across various fields. The timing of the visit coincided with severe Houthi attacks on Saudi territory. Attacks on Riyadh’s airport earlier this month resulted in the deaths of 17 people and injuries to 333 others, marking some of the heaviest fighting in years. Saudi Arabia resumed its military campaign in Yemen to support the internationally recognized government, aiming to reverse Houthi gains that saw them sweep along the Red Sea coast to the critical Bab Al Mandeb strait. The conflict traces back to 2015, when Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen’s civil war at the request of the government after the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa. A United Nations-brokered truce established in 2022 maintained a fragile peace until the current escalation began this year. Macron’s itinerary included efforts to secure energy supplies for France. The French presidency stated the visit aimed to demonstrate solidarity and continue efforts to secure and diversify hydrocarbon supplies. The Elysee Palace confirmed that the two leaders agreed Saudi Arabia would supply additional diesel to France for as many months as necessary. They also planned to consult on expanded security cooperation and infrastructure projects designed to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier in the week, Macron stated that France had deployed personnel and capabilities to help shield the key Saudi oil terminal of Yanbu on the Red Sea from Houthi attacks. He emphasized that France plays a defensive role in this effort while insisting that discussions with the Houthi group should resume. Domestic political pressures influenced the tour, which followed a weekend of violent protests in France over soaring living costs. Facing criticism regarding the Gulf trip, Macron told reporters he was doing his job to ease tensions over gas prices, a factor contributing to social unrest. He stated there must be no sign of febrility and affirmed he was fulfilling his role at his post. An AFP journalist on the scene reported that the French president spent less than three hours on the ground in Riyadh. Recent weeks have seen Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia reach an unprecedented scale. The intensity of the bombardment forced Riyadh to shut its main airport and postpone a major investment conference. Additionally, a Houthi maritime blockade threatens oil exports from the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia continues to seek Western support in response to these attacks. The situation highlights the expanding scope of the regional conflict, with direct impacts on civilian infrastructure and economic activities in the Gulf states. The military operations in Yemen remain focused on limiting Houthi mobility and inflicting significant losses on their command structures and logistical networks.