The State Department has ordered nonessential American government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia as Iranian-backed Houthi attacks on airports and critical infrastructure cause civilian casualties, disrupt air travel and raise concerns about a broader regional conflict.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The U.S. State Department has ordered nonemergency government employees and their families to depart Saudi Arabia following a series of deadly missile and drone attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi forces targeting civilian airports, energy facilities and other critical infrastructure across the kingdom.
The mandatory departure order, announced Oct. 21 and incorporated into an updated travel advisory Oct. 23, reflects growing concerns about the safety of American diplomatic personnel as fighting involving Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces in Yemen intensifies.
The State Department’s official travel advisory maintains Saudi Arabia at Level 3, advising Americans to reconsider travel because of armed conflict, terrorism and the threat of missile and drone attacks.
“Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions,” the advisory states.
“The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.”
The withdrawal affects nonessential personnel assigned to American diplomatic facilities, including the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh and consular posts elsewhere in Saudi Arabia. Essential personnel remain in place under additional security restrictions.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed that the mandatory departure order applies specifically to Saudi Arabia, disputing reports that similar evacuation directives had been issued throughout the Persian Gulf.
“The U.S. Department of State issued an ordered departure for non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia only,” Pigott said in an Oct. 21 statement.
The State Department also emphasized that protecting American government employees and their families remains its highest priority.
The announcement followed attacks on Saudi airports and energy installations that have killed civilians and severely disrupted transportation.
According to Reuters, an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam killed one person and injured eight others.
A separate drone attack targeting an oil facility operated by Saudi Aramco at the Shaybah oil field resulted in two additional deaths after Saudi air defenses intercepted an incoming unmanned aircraft.
The incidents underscore the growing threat to both civilian transportation networks and energy infrastructure.
Other reported attacks have targeted or threatened airports serving Riyadh, Jizan, Najran and Abha.
The escalating campaign has prompted the Saudi government to deploy additional air defenses and seek support from international partners.
In related Fox News coverage, American officials described the security situation as increasingly dangerous, particularly around civilian airports and transportation facilities.
Additional reporting on attacks targeting Saudi airports highlighted the difficulties facing travelers as authorities respond to missile and drone threats.
The security concerns have led to significant restrictions on American government personnel.
Under the updated advisory, U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization before using any airport in Saudi Arabia.
They are also prohibited from traveling within 20 miles of the Yemeni border and must receive authorization before visiting several locations, including Qatif, Taif and Yanbu, as well as the provinces of Jizan, Asir and Najran.
Americans are specifically advised not to travel to areas along the Yemen border because of terrorism and armed conflict risks.
Commercial aviation has also been affected.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has experienced repeated disruptions following attacks and attempted strikes, while other airports have faced cancellations, delays and operational restrictions.
International airlines have adjusted their schedules in response to changing security conditions.
The travel disruptions have complicated efforts by foreign governments and private citizens to leave the country, particularly when airports remain subject to possible attacks.
American officials have urged U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia to remain alert, monitor airline announcements and follow security guidance issued by Saudi authorities.
The Houthi attacks come amid renewed fighting in Yemen, where the Iranian-backed movement controls substantial territory, including the capital, Sanaa.
The Saudi-led coalition has supported Yemen’s internationally recognized government during the long-running conflict.
Recent hostilities have intensified as Saudi-backed forces conduct operations against Houthi positions and Saudi aircraft carry out military missions in support of those forces.
The Houthis have responded with missile and drone operations targeting Saudi territory, including transportation infrastructure, military facilities and energy installations.
The escalation has also raised concerns about international energy supplies because Saudi Arabia is a major oil producer and exporter.
Disruptions to oil fields, export terminals or transportation routes could have consequences beyond the immediate conflict zone.
The United States has maintained a significant diplomatic and security presence in Saudi Arabia, making the safety of American personnel an important consideration as regional tensions increase.
Some diplomatic employees had only recently returned to the Middle East following earlier evacuations during the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran that began in February.
The latest ordered departure reflects another adjustment to American diplomatic operations as regional security conditions remain unstable.
Although Washington has not announced a mandatory evacuation of personnel from every Gulf country, other diplomatic missions have reviewed their staffing arrangements and security procedures.
According to CBS News, several American embassies in the region have operated under restricted staffing arrangements that allow adjustments to personnel levels without requiring a complete diplomatic withdrawal.
The administration has also been considering additional responses to the Houthi attacks, including military options.
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the escalating threat as U.S. officials assess the risks facing American interests, Saudi infrastructure and regional transportation networks.
The State Department’s decision does not amount to a full evacuation of American citizens or a closure of all diplomatic operations in Saudi Arabia.
Instead, it requires designated government employees and accompanying family members to leave while retaining personnel considered necessary for essential functions.
The departure order remains in effect as U.S. officials monitor the situation and assess whether further security measures are necessary.
With missile and drone attacks continuing to threaten Saudi infrastructure, the State Department is warning that conditions could deteriorate quickly, leaving American travelers and diplomatic personnel facing continued uncertainty across the region.
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