KABUL: The U.S. State Department has ordered non-essential government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia amid rising security threats in the country.
The U.S. diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia issued a security alert warning that Iran-backed Houthi rebels pose a threat of attacks against civilian airports and other critical infrastructure.
The U.S. Embassy said it implemented the decision in response to security threats that emerged on October 23, 2026.
The statement said U.S. government employees stationed in Saudi Arabia may use airports only with special authorization from the head of mission.
U.S. officials have also urged American citizens to exercise caution amid the risk of potential attacks on airports, airspace closures, and flight cancellations.
The security advisory warned that ongoing clashes and security threats could rapidly spread to other areas of Saudi Arabia and the surrounding region.