UNITED STATES STATE DEPARTMENT ORDERS NON-EMERGENCY EMBASSY PERSONNEL AND FAMILIES TO DEPART SAUDI ARABIA

Directive issued following escalating security threats, cross-border drone strikes, and attacks on civilian infrastructure by Iran-backed Houthi forces

The United States Department of State has officially ordered non-emergency government personnel and their family members to depart Saudi Arabia due to heightened security risks and escalating hostilities in the region.

Confirming the directive, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott cited increasing attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi forces targeting critical infrastructure, civilian airports, and energy facilities across the kingdom, which have resulted in severe travel disruptions and civilian casualties.

The mandatory departure order comes in the wake of heightened regional volatility and recent cross-border strikes, including drone interceptions near major transportation hubs and oil installations that left non-local workers killed and injured.

In addition to the mandatory departure order for non-essential staff in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. government has extended voluntary departure authorizations and family evacuation directives to diplomatic missions across neighboring Gulf states as a precautionary measure to safeguard government personnel.

Reaffirming its commitment to security, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh has advised American citizens residing in or traveling through the region to maintain high situational awareness, review personal security plans, and follow official travel advisories issued by the State Department.