US warns of rapid escalation in Middle East war

The United States has warned that the Middle East war could escalate rapidly. This warning comes after Iran-backed Houthis launched a missile attack targeting Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. According to the US Mission to the UAE, heightened tensions in the region could lead to rapid and unforeseen escalation, flight cancellations, and airspace closures.

The US Department of State has urged American citizens across the Middle East to exercise heightened caution amidst the turbulent and unpredictable regional situation. Americans outside the Middle East are strongly advised to reconsider plans to travel to or transit through the region. Those currently in the region are advised to prepare for potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and broader travel disruptions.

A US B-1B Lancer bomber took off from RAF Fairford as tensions rise in the Middle East, although its mission and destination remain undisclosed. Saudi Arabia has reported intercepting and destroying a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis towards Riyadh, while the Houthis claim to have launched missiles and drones at sensitive sites in Riyadh and facilities in Yanbu.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch, Punch Nigeria, Ajel English, Gulf News, Egypt Independent — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.