The United States diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia has issued a security warning to American citizens about the threat of Houthi attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure. Officials stated that these hostilities have caused civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions across the kingdom.
Authorities urged travellers to take extreme caution if they choose to use airports in Saudi Arabia and recommended confirming flight statuses directly with airlines and airport operators.
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport partially reopened for domestic flights and select international services operated by Saudi carriers. A limited number of flights normally based in Riyadh are operating from Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim. Facilities in Jeddah and Dammam remain open, though subject to delays and cancellations.
The US State Department ordered non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia. The directive was issued alongside travel restrictions for remaining personnel. US government staff working in the country require special authorization from the chief of mission to use any Saudi airport and are barred from traveling within 20 miles of the Yemeni border.
Land border crossings, including the King Fahd Causeway connecting to Bahrain, remain operational. American citizens have been advised to monitor and follow emergency alerts issued by Saudi Civil Defense.
The security alert coincides with rising tensions between the Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia. The military coalition led by Riyadh has reported repeated interceptions of missiles and drones directed at the kingdom.
Yemen has remained gripped by conflict since Houthi forces seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and other provinces in 2014. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in the conflict in 2015 to support the internationally recognised government.
