The key facts

  • The US mission in Saudi Arabia issued a warning to Americans on November 2
  • Risks cited include attacks on airports, airspace closures and flight cancellations
  • The Riyadh-led coalition's conflict with the Houthis has continued since 2015

Warning amid escalating conflict

The US mission in Saudi Arabia issued a warning to US citizens on Monday, November 2, following hostilities between the Yemeni Houthi group and Saudi Arabia, Anadolu reports. The advisory states that 'the Iran-backed Houthis are engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other key infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties and serious travel disruptions.'

What exactly the mission warns about

The mission noted that the situation could quickly extend beyond the immediate conflict area, creating risks to security and commercial aviation. US citizens are advised to take into account the possibility of attacks on airports, airspace closures, flight cancellations and travel disruptions; those who choose to use Saudi airports are advised to exercise extreme caution. The warning came amid an escalation of hostilities between the Houthis and the Riyadh-led coalition supporting the internationally recognized government of Yemen. According to the outlet, the coalition has been fighting the Houthis since March 2015 — after the group seized Yemen's capital, Sanaa, and other parts of the country in 2014.