US Orders Diplomatic Drawdown in Saudi Arabia Amid Escalating Houthi Attacks
The State Department has ordered non-essential U.S. diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia as Houthi rebel attacks on infrastructure and airports intensify.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, USA — The U.S. State Department has issued an order for certain diplomats and the families of government personnel to depart Saudi Arabia. This directive follows a series of lethal strikes carried out by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, fueling concerns regarding a rapid escalation of regional hostilities.
Officials confirmed on Wednesday that non-essential staff stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh and its associated consulates must leave. While the embassy had previously suffered significant damage during the onset of the Iran war and operated with a minimal workforce, some diplomatic personnel had only recently returned to their posts.
In a fresh travel advisory, the State Department warned that Iranian-supported Houthi forces have targeted civilian airports and critical infrastructure, leading to casualties and major travel disruptions. The agency cautioned that these aggressive actions carry the potential to expand quickly beyond the immediate conflict zones.
Recent security alerts have consistently mandated that U.S. government employees obtain specific authorization before utilizing any Saudi airports. Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, a frequent target for Houthi strikes, had remained shuttered since October 10 following a particularly severe attack.
Although some Saudi-based carriers resumed limited operations on Wednesday after receiving regulatory approval, major international airlines including Air France and Lufthansa have suspended flights to Riyadh through the middle of November. The Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for the airport strikes, alleging without providing evidence that the facility was used to transport military hardware to government forces.
The State Department noted that while the mandatory departure order is specific to Saudi Arabia, other U.S. embassies across the Gulf region will undergo temporary staffing adjustments. These facilities are already functioning under restricted operational protocols.
Simultaneously, the security situation remains volatile. The Saudi Energy Ministry reported that two individuals were killed and two others wounded after debris from an intercepted drone struck an Aramco oil field in the nation’s southeast. Additionally, the Saudi-led coalition confirmed the interception of five drones aimed at the Eastern Region and the holy city of Madinah, marking the latest in a string of attacks since fighting intensified in mid-July.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
