RIYADH — The United States has warned its citizens in Saudi Arabia to exercise heightened vigilance following public threats by Yemen’s Houthi movement against airports and airspace across the Kingdom.
The US Mission in Saudi Arabia issued the security alert on Wednesday, October 7, amid escalating fighting involving the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen. The mission warned that the military conflict could escalate and lead to further disruptions to air travel.
US Issues Security Alert
In its advisory, the US Mission said the Houthis had previously carried out attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting civilian airports.
Americans in the Kingdom were urged to remain alert, monitor developments and follow instructions issued by Saudi authorities and Civil Defense.
The mission also warned travellers to expect possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other disruptions. It advised passengers to confirm their flight status directly with airlines and airports before travelling.
US government employees in Saudi Arabia are also subject to additional movement restrictions. The mission said they are prohibited from travelling within 20 miles, or about 32 kilometres, of the Yemeni border without appropriate authorisation and face additional restrictions in several areas.
Saudi Airports Hit
The warning followed attacks on two Saudi airports that killed three people and injured dozens.
Saudi civil aviation authorities said one person was killed and eight wounded in an attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, while two people were killed and 28 injured at facilities at Abha Airport.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on the airports, although the Saudi civil aviation authorities did not independently attribute the attacks in their initial statement.
Saudi authorities also reported that a Houthi ballistic missile was intercepted and destroyed north of Riyadh.
Air Travel Faces Disruption
The latest attacks have increased concerns about the safety and reliability of air travel in the region.
The US Mission warned that the deteriorating security situation could result in sudden changes to flight operations, including cancellations and airspace closures.
Independent aviation risk monitors have also reported increased risks around Saudi airspace, particularly in areas close to Yemen, citing renewed Houthi missile and drone activity. They noted that attacks and air-defence responses could result in airport closures, diversions and rerouting with little notice.
US Citizens Told To Stay Alert
The US Mission advised Americans to remain aware of their surroundings, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, monitor local news and comply with instructions from Saudi authorities.
The advisory also urged citizens to avoid travelling near the Yemeni border because of the heightened security risks.
The latest warning follows an earlier US alert issued on October 5, when American citizens were advised to remain vigilant over the possibility of drone and missile attacks. At that time, the mission said there had been no change to its security and operational posture and that regular and emergency consular services remained available.
The latest developments come as fighting in Yemen intensifies, with Saudi-backed forces mounting operations against the Houthis around strategic areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The escalation has also affected aviation infrastructure in Yemen, with a missile reportedly landing near the runway at Aden International Airport shortly before a Cairo flight was due to land.
For Americans living or travelling in Saudi Arabia, the US warning underscores the possibility of sudden security and travel disruptions as the conflict continues to escalate.
