The United States warned, on Monday, its government employees and citizens in Saudi Arabia of potential security risks at the Kingdom's airports, following Houthi attacks using missiles and drones.
The US Embassy in Riyadh, in a security alert published via its account on the American platform "X", stated that the Houthis "have engaged in hostile acts against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and vital infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties and severe disruptions to travel".
It added that "these hostile acts could escalate rapidly and extend beyond the directly affected area".
For its part, the embassy noted that as of October 23 last, the US State Department ordered non-essential government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia due to security risks.
It clarified that US government employees working in the Kingdom now require special authorization from the head of the mission to use any airport in Saudi Arabia, following recent missile and drone attacks on airports in the Kingdom.
It urged American citizens to consider the possibility of airport attacks, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions.
It also advised them to "exercise utmost caution" when using Saudi airports and to verify directly with airlines and airports regarding flight status before heading there.
The US warning comes amid ongoing military escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni Houthi group since July last, which included Houthi attacks on civil aviation facilities and energy installations in the Kingdom.
On Monday, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman said in a post on "X" that he discussed by phone with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth "the continued attacks by the terrorist Houthi militia on the Kingdom", along with defense cooperation between the two countries and efforts to de-escalate and contain tensions in the region.
Since March 2015, Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition to support the internationally recognized Yemeni government against the Houthi group, which has controlled the capital Sanaa and other provinces since September 2014.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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