The key facts

  • The US ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia
  • The reason is Houthi attacks on civilian airports and infrastructure
  • The recommendation to leave the country has been in effect since October 23

Order from the embassy in Riyadh

The US government has ordered government employees not performing emergency tasks in Saudi Arabia, along with their family members, to leave the country due to security threats. This was reported by the Reuters agency, citing a statement from the US embassy in Riyadh. The embassy cited attacks by the Houthi movement in Yemen on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure as the reason.

Restrictions and warnings

According to the embassy, US government employees must now obtain special permission to use airports in Saudi Arabia. The diplomatic mission also warned US citizens about possible new attacks, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and other travel disruptions. Reuters notes that the recommendation for employees and their families to leave the country has been in effect since October 23.

Context of the conflict

The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen has intensified in recent months. The Houthis themselves stated that they had carried out strikes on airports, energy facilities, and other critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Sources did not report on the consequences of the decision for the embassy's operations or diplomatic relations.