US orders non-essential diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

The United States has told non-essential diplomatic employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia over the recent series of attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, causing apprehension for the safety of American citizens in the kingdom, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

It added that this decision was after attacks on civilian airports and infrastructure that resulted in casualties and disrupted travel.

Iran-backed Houthis have attacked Saudi airports and other civilian infrastructure, resulting in the loss of life and travel chaos, department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a tweet.

It applies to non-emergency US government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia, including US Embassy in Riyadh personnel and those working in its consulates.

The decision was made following deadly events within the kingdom. One individual was killed and eight were wounded in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, while two were killed after shrapnel from a disabled drone struck the Shaybah oil field, Saudi officials said.

There could also be additional attacks and travel disruptions, the US embassy in Riyadh said.

That decision has come during the region’s wider conflict with Iran, the United States and Israel, with new Houthi strikes fuelling security fears in the Gulf. The State Department said ensuring the safety of its personnel and their families was a priority.