U.S. Orders Embassy Staff To Leave Saudi Arabia Amid Escalating Houthi Attacks
18 hours ago
The U.S. State Department has ordered non-essential personnel and their families to leave the American Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, amid escalating attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels operating out of Yemen.
The decision comes as security concerns grow across the region following an increase in attacks targeting Saudi Arabian infrastructure, including civilian airports.
In a security alert issued Wednesday, the State Department warned that the Houthis have intensified hostilities against Saudi Arabia, creating additional risks for Americans living in or traveling to the region.
According to U.S. officials, the attacks have targeted civilian airports and other critical infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties and significant travel disruptions.
The State Department said the security situation prompted its decision to order the departure of non-essential embassy employees and eligible family members.
The move is intended to reduce the number of U.S. government personnel potentially exposed to security threats while maintaining essential diplomatic operations.
American citizens traveling in the region have also been advised to remain alert to the possibility of additional attacks, particularly those affecting airports and transportation networks.
Officials warned that continued hostilities could lead to flight cancellations, delays and other disruptions with little advance notice.
The Houthis, an Iran-aligned armed group based in Yemen, have carried out attacks against Saudi Arabia and other regional targets during periods of heightened tensions.
The latest developments come amid broader instability in the Middle East and continuing concerns about the potential for attacks to affect civilian populations and international travel.
The State Department has not announced when the affected embassy personnel may be permitted to return to Riyadh.
U.S. officials continue monitoring the security situation as Americans in the region are urged to follow official travel advisories and remain aware of changing conditions.
The decision comes as security concerns grow across the region following an increase in attacks targeting Saudi Arabian infrastructure, including civilian airports.
In a security alert issued Wednesday, the State Department warned that the Houthis have intensified hostilities against Saudi Arabia, creating additional risks for Americans living in or traveling to the region.
According to U.S. officials, the attacks have targeted civilian airports and other critical infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties and significant travel disruptions.
The State Department said the security situation prompted its decision to order the departure of non-essential embassy employees and eligible family members.
The move is intended to reduce the number of U.S. government personnel potentially exposed to security threats while maintaining essential diplomatic operations.
American citizens traveling in the region have also been advised to remain alert to the possibility of additional attacks, particularly those affecting airports and transportation networks.
Officials warned that continued hostilities could lead to flight cancellations, delays and other disruptions with little advance notice.
The Houthis, an Iran-aligned armed group based in Yemen, have carried out attacks against Saudi Arabia and other regional targets during periods of heightened tensions.
The latest developments come amid broader instability in the Middle East and continuing concerns about the potential for attacks to affect civilian populations and international travel.
The State Department has not announced when the affected embassy personnel may be permitted to return to Riyadh.
U.S. officials continue monitoring the security situation as Americans in the region are urged to follow official travel advisories and remain aware of changing conditions.
