France weighs sending military forces to protect Saudi Yanbu oil terminal

France and Saudi Arabia are studying options to protect Yanbu port, which was attacked, the French armed forces chief said Thursday.

• French Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Fabien Mandon said Thursday France and Saudi Arabia are studying options including using French military assets to protect Yanbu port.
• Mandon told a parliamentary hearing the matter remains under study, noting Yanbu was attacked and is essential to hydrocarbon trade.
• France has already deployed about 2,000 soldiers in the region to help protect Gulf allies, including Qatar and Kuwait.