US Embassy Warns of Houthi Threats as Riyadh Airport Partially Reopens
(MENAFN) The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia warned on Sunday that security risks linked to Yemen's Houthi movement were increasing, as Riyadh's main airport resumed limited operations following repeated missile and drone attacks.
In a revised security advisory, the embassy said the US State Department had ordered non-essential government personnel and their family members to depart Saudi Arabia starting Oct. 23 because of mounting safety concerns.
"Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions," the embassy said.
The Houthis have controlled Yemen's capital, Sanaa, and other parts of the country since 2014. Fighting with forces backed by Saudi Arabia resumed in July after a truce established in 2022 broke down. The group has also targeted Saudi energy infrastructure in addition to aviation facilities.
"The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area," the US mission's alert added.
The departure order was first disclosed publicly on Wednesday.
The embassy also confirmed that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh had partially resumed operations on Sunday, handling domestic flights and selected international services operated by Saudi airlines.
However, US officials cautioned that further attacks, airspace restrictions and flight cancellations remained possible. Americans were urged to exercise extreme caution when traveling through airports across the kingdom.
In a revised security advisory, the embassy said the US State Department had ordered non-essential government personnel and their family members to depart Saudi Arabia starting Oct. 23 because of mounting safety concerns.
"Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions," the embassy said.
The Houthis have controlled Yemen's capital, Sanaa, and other parts of the country since 2014. Fighting with forces backed by Saudi Arabia resumed in July after a truce established in 2022 broke down. The group has also targeted Saudi energy infrastructure in addition to aviation facilities.
"The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area," the US mission's alert added.
The departure order was first disclosed publicly on Wednesday.
The embassy also confirmed that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh had partially resumed operations on Sunday, handling domestic flights and selected international services operated by Saudi airlines.
However, US officials cautioned that further attacks, airspace restrictions and flight cancellations remained possible. Americans were urged to exercise extreme caution when traveling through airports across the kingdom.
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