US Orders Non-Emergency Personnel to Leave Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Attacks
The US Department of State orders non-emergency staff and families to depart Saudi Arabia following Houthi attacks on airports and infrastructure.
The United States Department of State has issued an urgent order for non-emergency government personnel and their eligible family members to depart Saudi Arabia. This drastic move comes in response to severe safety risks triggered by a wave of missile and drone strikes targeting civilian airports and critical infrastructure, carried out by Iranian-backed Houthi forces.
Escalating Hostilities and Strategic Targets
The security crisis intensified after Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for the Houthis, claimed responsibility for targeting King Khalid Airport in Riyadh. Beyond the aviation hub, the group asserted that they had struck energy infrastructure, refineries, and various military facilities across the Kingdom.
In response to these threats, the Saudi-led coalition reported successful defensive actions. Colonel Turki bin Saleh al-Maliki, a spokesperson for the coalition, confirmed via X that air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the "terrorist Houthi militia" aimed at the capital city, Riyadh.
Strict New Restrictions for US Diplomats
The US Mission in Saudi Arabia has warned that these cross-border hostilities carry a high risk of broader regional escalation. Effective October 23, 2026, the Department of State mandated the departure of non-essential staff, citing the danger posed by Houthi attacks which have already resulted in civilian casualties and massive travel disruptions.
The environment has become so volatile that American diplomatic personnel are now prohibited from using domestic air transport without explicit high-level clearance. The embassy stated that any US government employee wishing to use an airport within the Kingdom must now obtain special authorization from the Chief of Mission.
Status of Saudi Aviation Hubs
The attacks have thrown the Kingdom's aviation network into chaos. The US Mission provided the following updates on major transport hubs:
- King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Riyadh: Announced a partial reopening on October 25, currently handling domestic flights and select international flights operated by national carriers.
- Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ), Qassim: Currently hosting a limited number of flights that usually operate out of Riyadh.
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Jeddah & King Fahd International Airport (DMM), Dammam: Both remain operational, although they are experiencing various delays and cancellations.
Warning to US Citizens
Beyond government employees, the US Mission has issued a direct advisory to private American citizens residing in or traveling through Saudi Arabia, urging them to maintain "utmost vigilance."
The embassy warned that citizens should be prepared for potential attacks on airports, sudden airspace closures, and flight cancellations. Those choosing to use Saudi airports are advised to exercise extreme caution and verify their flight status directly with the airport and airline providers.