NAIROBI, Kenya- The United States has ordered non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia, citing security risks linked to attacks by Iran-supported Houthi forces on the kingdom.
The order took effect on October 23, according to a security alert issued by the U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
The mission said the Houthis had attacked civilian airports and other critical infrastructure, causing civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.
It warned that the hostilities could rapidly escalate beyond the areas already affected.
The alert does not direct all U.S. citizens to leave Saudi Arabia.
It advises them to remain alert to possible attacks, airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions, and to exercise extreme caution when using the kingdom’s airports.
U.S. government employees in Saudi Arabia now require special authorisation from the Chief of Mission to use any airport in the country, the alert said.
The mission advised travellers to check their flight status directly with their airline and airport before travelling.
Riyadh airport partially resumes flights
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh announced a partial resumption of operations on October 25.
According to the U.S. alert, the airport was handling domestic flights and some international services operated by Saudi national carriers. A limited number of flights normally based in Riyadh were operating from Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim.
Operations at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam were continuing, although the U.S. Mission warned of delays and cancellations at both airports.
The reopening in Riyadh comes amid continued security concerns.
Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia resumed operations at two terminals at King Khalid International Airport after a suspension following an attack earlier in October.
The Houthis renewed threats against the airport, while Saudi authorities reported intercepting missiles and drones on Sunday.
The U.S. alert said the risk of further attacks could affect civilian travel and airport operations.
Travellers were urged to monitor airline and airport updates because flight schedules and access could change as the situation develops.
The Houthi movement, based in Yemen, has been engaged in hostilities with Saudi Arabia.
The U.S. Mission said recent attacks had targeted civilian airports and other critical infrastructure.
The group has claimed responsibility for attacks, while Saudi authorities have reported intercepting projectiles and drones.
