US orders some diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia amid Houthi threat

A Saudi airport in Dammam was struck on Wednesday, resulting in at least one fatality and eight injuries, according to the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority. The extent of the material damage to the airport is still being evaluated. Saudi Arabia's conflict with Iranian-backed Houthi rebels has escalated recently, with the Yemeni rebels targeting major Saudi airports.

The exact identity of the assailants remains unknown, and the Houthis have not claimed responsibility. Flight-tracking website Flightradar24 reported that airport operations were halted as flights were diverted. Earlier in the day, the Saudi Energy Ministry announced that forces had intercepted a drone aimed at an oil facility, but the debris caused two deaths and injuries.

The victims were identified as a Filipino and a Nepali national. Meanwhile, the US State Department instructed some diplomats and their family members to leave the country, stating that only employees in Saudi Arabia were affected. The US has previously issued evacuation orders this year due to the Iran war and retaliatory strikes on Saudi Arabia.

The Houthi rebels have been increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.