US embassy warns citizens of potential Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia
The alert cites risks of airport attacks, airspace closures and flight disruptions amid hostilities involving Iran-backed Houthi forces.
The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued a security alert for American citizens on Monday, warning of potential attacks on airports and airspace closures. According to reports by ANI and Hindustan Times, the alert comes amid escalating hostilities between Iran-backed Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia.
The embassy stated that Houthi attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure have caused civilian casualties and travel disruptions. Officials warned that these hostilities could rapidly escalate beyond the immediate areas currently affected.
The US Department of State had previously ordered non-emergency American government employees and their families to leave the country on October 23 due to safety risks. Following recent missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks, US government employees in the Kingdom now need permission from the Chief of Mission to use any airport.
While King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam remain operational, some delays and cancellations have been reported. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has partially reopened for domestic flights and certain international services.
The advisory also cautioned citizens against photographing or sharing details regarding drone or missile interceptions, noting that Saudi regulations could lead to legal consequences for violators. All land border crossings and major highways in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran remain functional.
The alert follows a Houthi-claimed attack on King Khalid International Airport on October 10 that reportedly killed 12 people and injured 309. A subsequent incident at King Fahd International Airport last week killed two people, including an Indian national, and injured eight.
