Saudi Arabia seeks European allies for new Houthi offensive

Saudi Arabia is preparing a new military operation against Iran-backed Houthi rebels and expects military assistance from France and Britain, according to Bild. Riyadh is also urging Germany to join the fight. Former Saudi intelligence chief Turki bin Faisal Al Saud called on European nations to contribute, arguing they benefit from the region's resources and trade routes. France is already participating in operations, while Britain assists with aerial refueling; Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey provide supplies and intelligence. Saudi Arabia previously proposed a military protection and monitoring system for the Arabian Peninsula and Bab-el-Mandeb strait, but no European state joined. A Gulf Cooperation Council-EU meeting is planned in Riyadh in November, with hopes for a long-stalled trade agreement.