World
US orders non-emergency staff and families out of Saudi Arabia
The move shows civilian infrastructure is becoming central to Gulf security.
The move shows civilian infrastructure is becoming central to Gulf security.
Airports in Saudi Arabia have become targets in the wider conflict between Iran-aligned in Yemen and the . Recent strikes, including attacks affecting Riyadh’s airport, caused deaths, injuries, canceled flights and closed airspace. The US embassy warned that more attacks could hit civilian airports and other vital sites, putting travelers at risk of sudden danger and disruption. On October 21, the ordered and their families to leave Saudi Arabia. The order covers the embassy in Riyadh and its , but not essential staff, all US employees or every . The move shows growing concern that the Yemen conflict could spread, while essential diplomatic work continues. It may also complicate regional talks and increase pressure on Saudi officials, businesses and travelers as the risk of more attacks remains uncertain.
State Department officials clarified that the ordered departure applied only to Saudi Arabia, not to all US personnel or every US mission in the Gulf. and personnel were not covered by the order, while other Gulf embassies could experience temporary staffing changes or family-member departures. The clarification narrowed the scope of the step while confirming a reduced US presence in Saudi Arabia.
The State Department ordered the departure of and their family members in Saudi Arabia. The order covered the US Embassy in Riyadh and its satellite consulates, following what the department described as increasingly hostile Houthi attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure. Officials cited civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions as the reason for the move.
The embassy said the security environment remained complex and warned that additional Houthi attacks could affect civilian airports and other . The alert advised travelers to monitor airline and airport information and develop . It linked the threat to Iranian-supported Houthi hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks that had already caused civilian casualties and severe travel disruption.
The renewed its security alert after additional attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and an attempted attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The warning urged Americans to use extreme caution and prepare for flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions. It also required US government employees to obtain before using airports in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
Iranian-supported attacked in Riyadh on October 10, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 300, according to Saudi aviation authorities. Flights were diverted and airport operations were suspended, but the available evidence does not establish attacks on multiple Saudi airports or the stated total of 14 deaths and 320 injuries.