Houthi strikes force US to evacuate diplomats from Saudi Arabia
The US State Department ordered non-essential staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia due to sustained Houthi strikes.
Non-essential US embassy staff and their families have been ordered to leave Saudi Arabia. Yemen's Houthi forces, backed by Iran, are intensifying attacks on the kingdom.
Recent strikes killed at least one person at Dammam airport. Two people died in a drone attack on an oil field.
Near-daily attacks in October have targeted civilian airports and energy infrastructure. Other US missions in the Gulf are also withdrawing family members.
This includes the UAE, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain. The Houthis have caused civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.
Last Friday, the Australian government raised its travel advice for Saudi Arabia to "do not travel". This was due to the volatile security situation.
A strike on King Khalid International Airport killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300.
- At least 13 killed, more than 300 wounded
- King Khalid deadliest strike
- Near-daily strikes in October
- Attack frequency
Why it mattersA major US diplomatic pullback signals the conflict's escalation and raises risks for anyone in the region.
AustraliaAustralian travellers are now advised not to visit Saudi Arabia; Australians in the region should check latest government advice.
Corroborated bytheguardian.com
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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