The United States has ordered some diplomats and the families of US government employees to leave Saudi Arabia, citing near-daily attacks by the Iranian-supported Houthis in Yemen on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure.
The State Department said the safety and security of its personnel and their families remain its highest priority. Spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed the drawdown, which follows attacks on Wednesday evening that killed at least three people at an airport and an oilfield in the Gulf kingdom.
Reports also emerged of similar withdrawals from the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain, suggesting a wider regional reassessment of US diplomatic presence as concerns grow about a possible return to conflict with Iran after the US midterm elections.
The Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, have stepped up strikes on Saudi infrastructure in recent weeks. The attacks on civilian airports and energy facilities have raised alarm in Washington and among Gulf capitals, where the safety of foreign missions is a sensitive matter.
The State Department did not specify how many staff would leave or which posts would be affected. The order applies to some diplomats and the families of US government employees, a standard precaution when security conditions deteriorate.
The drawdown in Saudi Arabia comes as the US weighs its posture across the Gulf. Similar withdrawals reported in the UAE, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain point to a coordinated effort to reduce exposure while maintaining essential diplomatic functions.
The attacks have also highlighted the vulnerability of civilian infrastructure in the region. The strike on an airport and an oilfield that left at least three dead underscored the risks to both travellers and energy workers.
Washington has blamed the Houthis for the escalation and pointed to Iranian support for the group. The State Department’s decision reflects concern that the security situation could worsen further, particularly with regional tensions running high after the US midterm elections.
For now, the US embassy in Saudi Arabia is expected to continue operating with reduced staff. The State Department has not indicated when the order might be lifted, and further withdrawals from other Gulf posts have not been ruled out.
The move is likely to be watched closely by other foreign missions in the region, which may review their own security arrangements. Gulf governments have not publicly commented on the reported withdrawals.
The State Department’s travel advice for the region remains under review, and US citizens in Saudi Arabia have been urged to remain vigilant and follow local security guidance.
3
