Saudis Fly Home From Riviera; Iran Tensions Blamed
About 30 Saudis are said to have returned home suddenly from Riviera vacations, apparently because of tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Among them were relatives of King Fahd.
Sources in the French Riviera, speaking on condition of anonymity, said today that those leaving included Fahd’s wife and nephew. They said all the Saudis left Monday, reportedly on the king’s orders.
There was no confirmation of why the Saudis flew home. French television said it was widely believed the Saudis feared terrorist attacks after the July 31 clash in the holy city of Mecca between Iranian pilgrims and Saudi security forces. More than 400 people were reported killed, most of them Iranians.
Security by French police had visibly increased in recent weeks outside Riviera mansions owned by Saudis.
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