France is stepping up military support for Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks threaten the kingdom’s Red Sea oil infrastructure. Paris is sending troops, radar units and defence systems to help protect Yanbu, a key Saudi oil port. The development comes as the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle caught fire while docked at Toulon. The French Navy said the fire was extinguished after several hours, with no injuries and no impact on the ship’s nuclear facilities. The blaze may have started during blowtorch cutting work, according to the Navy. The incident comes amid continuing fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces and growing concerns over security in the Red Sea.
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