Washington warns its citizens of security risks at Saudi airports following Houthi attacks
The United States on Monday warned its government employees and its nationals in Saudi Arabia of potential security risks at the Kingdom's airports, following missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthis.
The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh said in a security alert posted on its "X" platform account that the Houthis have engaged in hostile acts against Saudi Arabia, including targeting civilian airports and critical infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.
It added that these hostile acts could escalate rapidly and extend beyond the directly affected areas.
The embassy noted that the U.S. State Department, as of last October 23, ordered non-essential government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia due to security risks.
It stated that U.S. government employees working in the Kingdom now require special permission from the head of the diplomatic mission to use any Saudi airport, following the recent missile and drone attacks.
It called on American citizens to consider the possibility of airport attacks, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions. It also recommended they exercise extreme caution and check with airlines and airports about flight statuses before heading to them.
The U.S. warning comes amid an ongoing military escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni Houthi group since last July, which has included Houthi attacks on civil aviation facilities and energy installations in the Kingdom.
المصدر: Al-Mahriah Net + open sources
