The United States Department of State has issued a mandatory departure order for all non-essential embassy personnel and their family members residing in Saudi Arabia.
The decision comes in response to an intensifying wave of deadly missile and drone strikes launched by Iran-backed Houthi forces targeting civilian infrastructure and strategic energy hubs across the Kingdom.
Mounting security threats and airport disruptions
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed the directive, stating that the mandatory departure applies to non-emergency personnel at the US Embassy in Riyadh and regional consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran.
Official warnings highlighted that repeated Houthi attacks on civilian airports and energy installations have triggered severe travel disruptions and heightened security risks.
Recent strikes on critical aviation infrastructure, including King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, have left facilities severely damaged and operations restricted.
Strikes targeting energy infrastructure
The evacuation order follows a lethal incident where air defense interceptions over Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield resulted in falling debris that killed two people and injured two others.
Further casualties were reported across major municipal areas, prompting the US Embassy to issue urgent travel alerts restricting movement for remaining diplomatic staff.
Regional escalation concerns
Washington’s drawdown highlights growing fears that the expanding conflict in Yemen could further destabilize Gulf security and disrupt global energy trade routes.
While military advisers and core diplomatic personnel will remain stationed in Saudi Arabia to coordinate security defense initiatives, non-essential personnel are departing as regional tensions remain high.
