U.S. Orders Nonessential Staff Out of Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Attacks
The State Department has directed nonessential U.S. government staff and relatives in Saudi Arabia to depart. The move follows intensified Houthi attacks on Saudi airports and infrastructure, with casualties and travel disruption. President Trump is weighing direct American military action against the Iran-backed Houthis as Riyadh requests more interceptors.
The State Department’s ordered departure covers non-emergency U.S. government employees and their relatives in Saudi Arabia, and officials said it was limited to that country. The decision followed Houthi strikes on Saudi civilian airports and other infrastructure that caused deaths, injuries and travel problems.
According to ACLED, attempted and actual Houthi strikes more than doubled in one week this month. Targets since Oct. 5 included airports in Riyadh, Jizan, Najran, Dammam and Abha; the Riyadh airport attack killed at least 13 and wounded over 300. Britain planned Typhoon deployments, Egypt was assisting, and Israel offered help.
The departure order could affect U.S. government families and diplomatic operations in Saudi Arabia, while repeated strikes may increase safety concerns for Saudi civilians, airport users and infrastructure workers. Heightened demand for interceptors may complicate allied defense planning and strain available supplies, potentially shaping how regional partners respond to future attacks. Travelers and businesses tied to aviation or energy facilities could face continued uncertainty if attacks persist.