Washington/Riyadh, October 22 (TNA) The United States has ordered non-essential embassy personnel and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia amid increasing attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, the US State Department said.
The order applies to non-emergency US government employees and their families in Saudi Arabia, including personnel at the US Embassy in Riyadh and its satellite consulates. It does not require all American diplomats or embassy staff to leave the country.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the decision was taken because of growing hostilities targeting Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure. The attacks have reportedly caused civilian casualties and major travel disruptions.
“The safety and security of Department personnel and their families remain our highest priority,” Pigott said, adding that the United States would take necessary steps to support their return.
Security alert issued
The US Embassy in Riyadh has issued a security alert warning Americans in Saudi Arabia about the possibility of further Houthi attacks. US government employees now require special permission from the chief of mission to use airports in the kingdom following recent missile and drone attacks.
The embassy advised US citizens to follow emergency instructions issued by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence through mobile alerts and other official channels. Americans were also urged to review personal security plans and remain alert to developments.
Regional concerns
The departure order applies specifically to Saudi Arabia, although US missions in other Gulf countries are expected to make temporary staffing changes. US officials told Reuters that some family members could also be withdrawn from missions in other regional countries, but the formal ordered-departure decision announced by the State Department concerned Saudi Arabia.
The move comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East and fears that continued attacks could expand the regional conflict. The latest development is also likely to affect diplomatic operations, travel arrangements and security coordination between Washington and Riyadh.
The US government has not announced the number of personnel or family members affected by the order. Essential diplomatic and security operations are expected to continue, subject to local conditions and further instructions from Washington.