French embassy in Riyadh tells citizens to avoid Saudi airports targeted by Houthis

The French embassy in Saudi Arabia told its citizens to avoid the airports in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam on Tuesday and advised against travelling to those cities following a series of Houthi attacks. "Given the security situation, French nationals are strictly advised against travelling to or transiting through King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah, and King Fahd Airport in Dammam," the embassy said in a statement. "It is also not advised to travel to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam unless necessary," it added. Read moreWhy Yemen’s war is escalating Fighting has escalated between the Saudi-led coalition and the Iran-backed Houthis, who have been attacking Saudi airports and oil facilities since last week in a spillover from the wider regional conflagration between the US and Iran. Saudi Arabia has in recent weeks launched strikes against the Houthis and is backing a Yemeni government counteroffensive after the group seized strategic territory along the Red Sea coast last month. The conflict has disrupted air travel in Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh airport remaining closed after a deadly missile strike on Saturday claimed by the Houthis. To display thi...