US orders departure of some embassy staff and families from Saudi Arabia amid Houthi threat

The U.S. Department of State instructed the departure of non-essential embassy staff and their families from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, due to escalating strikes from the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Tommy Pigott, a spokesperson for the State Department, confirmed the ordered evacuation on X. The Houthi group has been attacking Saudi Arabia, causing civilian casualties, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting travel.

While the U.S. is reducing its presence in the region due to the growing risks, other U.S. diplomatic positions in the area are also modifying their staff sizes in response to the threat. The State Department issued a security alert on Wednesday, warning U.S. citizens of potential attacks on airports and travel disruptions. The alert followed several high-profile Houthi attacks in recent weeks, including strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi military facilities, oil infrastructure, and maritime traffic.

In response, Saudi Arabia intercepted at least seven drones, including one that targeted the Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province, resulting in two expatriate fatalities and injuries to two others. Additionally, an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam left one person dead and eight injured, with damage to the airport still under assessment.

Although the U.S. has increased its support for Saudi Arabia militarily through intelligence sharing and targeted actions, President Trump has not yet endorsed offensive strikes against the Houthis. In the wake of the escalating attacks, other allies have also bolstered their support, with the UK deploying fighter jets to Saudi Arabia and Egypt pledging various forms of assistance.