Saudi Arabia Faces Escalating Threats as US Tightens Travel Rules

The US Embassy in Riyadh has tightened its security posture as missile and drone attacks on sensitive sites in Saudi Arabia persist. In a new alert, the embassy has ordered all non-emergency American government employees and their family members to leave the country.

The security advisory, dated October 30, identifies Iran-backed Houthi rebels as responsible for hostile acts against Saudi Arabia. The attacks have hit civilian airports and other critical infrastructure, causing civilian deaths and major travel disruptions.

The US mission has warned that the conflict could worsen quickly and that its effects might not remain confined to the affected area.

US government employees serving in Saudi Arabia must now secure special permission from the chief of mission before using any airport in the country. The measure follows recent missile and unmanned aerial vehicle strikes on airports.

American citizens have been alerted to the possibility of airport attacks, airspace shutdowns, flight cancellations and travel delays. Anyone planning to fly through Saudi airports has been advised to remain highly alert and to confirm flight information directly with the relevant airline and airport.

The attacks of October 10 and October 25 targeted several energy facilities, along with King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Since then, the United States has continued to issue security alerts for its citizens in the kingdom.