US warns citizens that Houthi attacks 'have potential to escalate rapidly'

The United States has cautioned its citizens against traveling to a list of 13 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Israel, due to growing terrorism threats. Washington specifically warned against travel to Saudi Arabia because of the risk of drone and missile strikes by Iran and the Iran-backed Houthis, as well as potential armed conflict and terrorism. The US Department of State emphasized that the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could rapidly expand beyond the immediate region.

A State Department official clarified that these advisories do not suggest new capabilities from the Houthis, but rather reflect recent strikes, including on Riyadh, Dammam, Najran, and Jazan airports. The deadly attacks caused significant disruption to air travel. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh partially reopened, but international services remain unavailable.

Recently, the Houthis attacked King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, killing two people and injuring eight. Growing fears of a renewed escalation between the US and Iran persist. On Friday, President Donald Trump suggested that the US might launch another military operation against Iran if a deal cannot be reached. Trump warned that Iran would carry out a more extensive response to any future attacks, potentially targeting cables, data centers, and artificial intelligence sites.

The US maintains a naval blockade on Iran's ports, and Tehran has a history of targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.