The US Embassy in Riyadh has requested that non-essential personnel and their families leave Saudi Arabia due to security concerns. In a statement made on the embassy's social media account, it was noted that the decision is effective as of Friday.
The statement noted that Iran-backed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have targeted civilian airports and critical infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties and causing significant disruptions to air travel.
The embassy warned that the attacks could escalate "very rapidly" and spread to other regions. Following recent missile and drone attacks, it was reported that US government personnel in Saudi Arabia must obtain special permission from the mission chief to use any airport within the country.
Regarding flights, it was stated that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has partially resumed domestic and some international flights, while some Riyadh flights are being operated from Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Al-Qassim. It was stated that operations continue at Jeddah and Dammam airports, albeit with delays and cancellations.
The embassy urged US citizens to be cautious at airports due to the risk of potential new attacks and the closure of airspace, and to confirm their flight status with airlines before setting out.
News Source: 12punto
