Regional expert: British and French moves are defensive and not aimed at intervention in Yemen
Regional affairs expert Hazem Ayyad said that the recent British and French moves towards Saudi Arabia are aimed at supporting its defenses against attacks launched by the Houthi group from Yemen on Saudi territory.
In a statement to the "Al-Tasi'a" program on Al-Mahriah Channel, Ayyad reported that Britain's announcement of sending an aerial refueling aircraft does not necessarily mean its involvement in military operations. He noted that Saudi aircraft are relatively far from Yemen, making this step more symbolic than having a direct military impact.
He added that the British move carries a message of solidarity with Saudi Arabia, while also confirming London's unwillingness to engage directly in the war or get involved in operations inside Yemen.
Ayyad noted that the French position is moving in the same direction, explaining that Paris has sent a message of solidarity with Saudi Arabia, along with assurances to the Houthis that it will not engage directly in the conflict.
He explained that the French discussion about readiness to secure energy facilities is defensive, stressing that the British and French moves, according to current data, seem more like messages of support and potential material solidarity for Saudi Arabia than an indicator of direct military intervention in Yemen.
He continued that these messages also include reassurance to the Houthis that the two countries will not be present on the ground, nor will they provide information or support that could lead to attacks inside Yemeni territory or to an intervention that would affect the balance of power within Yemen.
Source: Al-Mahriah Channel
