Riyadh: The United States Embassy in Riyadh has reissued a security alert directing non emergency American government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia, citing threats linked to attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement.
In a statement posted on X on November 2, the embassy reiterated the US State Department's departure order, which took effect on October 23, following attacks on civilian airports and other infrastructure in the kingdom. The embassy said the attacks had caused civilian casualties and disrupted travel, warning that the hostilities had the potential to spread beyond the areas currently affected.
Under the restrictions, US government employees must obtain special authorisation from the chief of mission before using any airport in Saudi Arabia following recent missile and drone attacks.
American government personnel are also prohibited from travelling within 20 miles (32 kilometres) of the Saudi Yemeni border. Travel to the provinces of Jizan, Asir and Najran, as well as the cities of Qatif, Taif and Yanbu, requires additional authorisation. The embassy advised American citizens to remain alert to possible attacks on airports, airspace closures and flight cancellations.
Airport disruptions and travel restrictions
The security measures follow weeks of disruptions to Saudi Arabia's aviation network. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport partially resumed domestic and some international flights on October 23 after suspensions linked to the conflict. Airports in Jeddah and Dammam have also experienced delays and cancellations, according to earlier US embassy advisories.
The State Department currently places Saudi Arabia under a Level 3 travel advisory, urging American citizens to reconsider travel. Areas near the Yemeni border carry the more restrictive Level 4 designation, advising against all travel. The departure order applies to designated US government personnel and their families rather than all American citizens residing in or visiting Saudi Arabia.
Yemen conflict and regional implications
The warning comes amid renewed hostilities between the Houthis and the Saudi led coalition supporting Yemen's internationally recognised government. The Houthis have controlled Yemen's capital, Sanaa, since 2014. Saudi Arabia intervened militarily in March 2015 in support of the Yemeni government, beginning a conflict that has involved cross border attacks and prolonged regional involvement.
The latest attacks have also taken place against the backdrop of the wider conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which began in February 2026. On October 29, the Saudi led coalition reported intercepting two ballistic missiles launched towards Riyadh. The following day, it reported intercepting a cruise missile targeting western Saudi Arabia and a drone in the Riyadh region.
The Houthis have also claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Saudi oil facilities and airports. The targeting of transport and energy infrastructure has implications beyond Saudi Arabia, particularly for regional aviation, oil supplies and commercial activity. Washington has not announced a complete suspension of diplomatic operations in the kingdom.
However, the departure of non emergency personnel reduces the staffing available at US missions while security restrictions remain in place. The duration of the measures has not been specified. Further changes to diplomatic staffing and travel arrangements will depend on developments in the conflict and subsequent security assessments.
