US officials have ordered the departure of non-essential staff and family members from the US embassy in Saudi Arabia following a series of attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. At least one person was killed in an attack on a Saudi airport, prompting the security alert.
The US State Department confirmed the order, citing increased hostilities by the Houthis against Saudi infrastructure. Attacks on airports and oil facilities have raised concerns about the safety of embassy personnel. The order follows previous withdrawals due to Iranian strikes on US facilities.
The evacuation comes as the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis intensifies, with the war escalating into a broader regional conflict. The US has issued similar evacuation orders in the past, reflecting the ongoing threat from Houthi attacks.
The State Department clarified that the order was specific to Saudi Arabia, though some sources indicated similar actions in other Gulf states. The exact cause and responsibility for the attacks remain unclear, with no claims of Houthi involvement in the recent strikes.