The United States has directed non-essential government personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia as attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group intensify, according to a security notice issued by the US Embassy on Friday.
The US Mission to Saudi Arabia said the departure order came into effect on October 23 because of growing security concerns. It warned that Houthi strikes against civilian airports and critical infrastructure had resulted in casualties and significant travel disruptions, with the possibility of further escalation.
The embassy also stated that US government employees now require special permission to use airports in the kingdom following recent missile and drone attacks.
According to the alert, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has partially resumed operations, while airports in Jeddah and Dammam remain open but are experiencing delays and flight cancellations.
The mission advised American citizens to remain extremely cautious when travelling by air. It also warned against taking photographs of intercepted missiles or locations targeted in attacks, referring to Saudi regulations.
The advisory follows a series of intensified Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
On Thursday, the Saudi-led coalition announced that its air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh. A day later, the coalition reported intercepting a Houthi cruise missile aimed at western Saudi Arabia, along with a drone in the Riyadh region.
The Houthis have also claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil facilities and airports in recent days.
Saudi Arabia-led forces entered Yemen’s conflict in March 2015 to support the internationally recognized government against the Houthis. The group has controlled the capital, Sanaa, since September 2014.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE