US Restricts Travel to Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Attacks

The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday issued a security alert that includes travel restrictions for its employees and advice for its citizens in the Kingdom, due to the ongoing attacks launched by the Houthi group. 

The embassy stated in the alert, published on the US Department of State's website, "Iran-backed Houthis have engaged in hostile actions against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions."

The alert added: "These hostile acts may escalate rapidly to extend beyond the immediate area where they are occurring."

It advised US citizens to follow the instructions in the national alerts issued by the Saudi Civil Defense through its cell broadcast service.

The alert clarified that travel restrictions on US government employees include requiring special permission from the Chief of Mission to use any airport in the Kingdom, following recent missile and drone attacks on its airports.

Employees are also not permitted to travel to areas within 20 miles of the Yemeni border due to security risks. They also need special permission to travel to the Jazan, Asir, and Najran regions, and the cities of Qatif, Yanbu, and Taif, according to the security alert.

It noted that operations remain suspended at King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, while King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam continue to operate, with some delays and flight cancellations.

The alert urged US citizens to be aware of the possibility of airport attacks, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions. It encouraged them to exercise extreme caution if they decide to use airports in Saudi Arabia and to check their flight status directly with the airline and airport.

It pointed out that the Saudi Ministry of Interior continues to warn that "photographing, publishing, or sharing information related to the interception of missiles and drones and their impact sites will subject you to legal accountability."

The alert noted that US citizens have been detained for not adhering to these regulations, including taking photos of government buildings, airports, and impact sites. Visitors and residents are subject to local laws while in Saudi Arabia.

On Wednesday, the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen announced the interception and destruction of 6 drones, one of which was headed towards the southern region, in addition to 5 drones that were intercepted and destroyed in the Madinah and Eastern Province regions, without specifying the number in each.