The U.S. State Department ordered non-essential government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia on Thursday due to growing safety risks. The directive comes amid widespread terror operations by the Houthi militants, including missile and drone attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure.
1+Following the threats, U.S. government employees in Saudi Arabia now require special approval from the head of mission to use airports in the country. Meanwhile, severe disruptions have hit Saudi aviation hubs in Riyadh, Al-Qassim, the tourism capital Jeddah, and Dammam.
U.S. authorities are urging American citizens to exercise extreme caution if they choose to use airports in Saudi Arabia, and to check directly with airlines and airports for changes, airspace closures, and possible cancellations.
1+The announcement came after the Houthi terror organization launched missiles and drones in recent hours toward the southern regions of the kingdom and toward Riyadh airport, while foreign militaries in Saudi Arabia intercepted all 12 missiles fired into the kingdom’s territory. These launches came after Saudi authorities announced yesterday their intention to reopen the airport after two weeks of closure.