Daijiworld Media Network – Riyadh
Riyadh, Oct 26: The United States has ordered non-emergency government personnel and their eligible family members to leave Saudi Arabia, citing serious safety risks following missile and drone attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure by Iranian-backed Houthi forces.
The US Embassy in Riyadh announced the decision in a security alert, warning that the escalating hostilities could lead to a broader regional conflict. The departure order took effect on October 23, 2026.
“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 US Mission stated.
The announcement came as Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that the group had targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, along with energy infrastructure, refineries and several other aviation and military facilities across Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition said its air defences had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched towards the Saudi capital.
In a post on X on Sunday, coalition spokesperson Colonel Turki bin Saleh al-Maliki said, “Air defences intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward Riyadh.”
US restricts diplomatic personnel's air travel
Highlighting the volatile security situation, the US Embassy said American government employees in Saudi Arabia would require special authorisation from the Chief of Mission to use any airport in the Kingdom following recent missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks.
“The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area,” the security advisory stated.
The restrictions reflect growing concerns over the safety of air travel and the possibility of further attacks on transport hubs and other critical infrastructure.
Airports report disruptions
The US Mission provided an update on the operational status of major Saudi airports, noting that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh had partially reopened on October 25 for domestic services and some international flights operated by Saudi carriers.
A limited number of flights normally based at Riyadh were operating from Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim, according to the advisory.
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam remained operational, although passengers could face delays and cancellations.
The embassy warned that the security situation could result in further airport closures, airspace restrictions and flight disruptions.
US citizens urged to exercise caution
The US Mission also issued a travel warning for American citizens living in or travelling through Saudi Arabia, urging them to remain vigilant and carefully monitor developments.
“U.S. citizens should be aware of potential attacks on airports, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions. Please take extreme caution if you choose to use airports in Saudi Arabia,” the advisory stated.
Travellers were advised to check their flight status directly with airlines and airports before heading to terminals.
The latest developments come amid heightened regional tensions following Houthi claims of attacks on Saudi facilities and reports of missile and drone interceptions. The situation has raised concerns over the security of civilian infrastructure, aviation and energy facilities in the Kingdom.