Americans in Saudi Arabia warned after Riyadh airport attacks

The US Mission in Saudi Arabia has warned American citizens to remain vigilant following recent attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, with the conflict with the Houthis potentially escalating. The mission reported intercepting and destroying two ballistic missiles launched towards Riyadh, but the Houthis claimed to have targeted the airport with a missile, a claim not yet confirmed by Saudi Arabia.

Air travel disruptions are possible at Riyadh airport, prompting the mission to advise checking flight status directly with airlines and the airport, and contacting them if a flight is affected. US citizens are cautioned against traveling near the Yemen border and directed to follow national alerts issued by Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence.

U.S. government employees now require special authorization to use King Khalid International Airport and are barred from traveling within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks. Similar restrictions apply to travel to the provinces of Jizan, Asir, and Najran, as well as the cities of Qatif, Yanbu, and Taif.

The mission emphasizes that regular and emergency consular services for U.S. citizens remain available. It encourages Americans to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates and suggests checking the State Department's travel advisories for Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Other recommendations include keeping phones charged, avoiding demonstrations, large gatherings, and areas with heavy police presence, and maintaining a low profile near locations publicly associated with the United States.

In the event of an aerial attack, citizens are advised to stay away from glass doors, windows, and fallen debris, and monitor phone and news sources for official guidance. The US government urges increased caution among citizens in Saudi Arabia due to Houthi threats.