US orders departure of some embassy staff and families from Saudi Arabia amid Houthi threat
By Kylie Atwood, Jennifer Hansler, CNN
(CNN) — The US State Department ordered the departure of non-essential staff and family members at its embassy in Riyadh, a move that comes amid intensifying strikes on Saudi Arabia by the Iran allied Houthi rebels in Yemen.
“The U.S. Department of State issued an ordered departure for non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott wrote on X. “Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.”
While the State Department is drawing down its footprint in Saudi Arabia amid escalating risks, a few other US diplomatic posts in the region are also adjusting their staffing in response to the Houthi threat, a source told CNN.
“This is about the Houthis,” said a State Department official.
The State Department also warned in a security alert on Wednesday that US citizens should be aware of potential attacks on airports and general travel disruptions. That message for Americans came after a series of deadly Houthi attacks in recent weeks have targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi military facilities, oil infrastructure and maritime traffic.
“U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization from Chief of Mission to use any airport in Saudi Arabia following recent missile and UAV attacks on airports in the Kingdom,” the alert said.
Saudi-backed forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognized government have expanded operations against Houthi positions across multiple frontlines, while Saudi air power continues to provide military cover.
On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted at least seven drones, including one targeting the Shaybah oil field in the kingdom’s Eastern Province, in an attack that killed two expatriate workers and injured two others.
The US has stepped up its support for the kingdom militarily by boosting intelligence and targeting support. But Saudi Arabia has been asking the US for more offensive support, and so far, President Donald Trump has decided against striking the Houthis.
As Saudi Arabia finds itself increasingly under attack, other allies have also stepped up support. On Tuesday, the UK said it will deploy fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks. Egypt also pledged “all necessary and possible forms of support” in recent days.
CNN’s Mohammed Tawfeeq contributed reporting.
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