The US Department of State has ordered the evacuation of non-essential personnel and family members of diplomatic missions from Saudi Arabia amid intensifying attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement. According to a department spokesperson, the decision formally applies only to the kingdom; however, Reuters reports that similar measures may affect diplomatic missions in other Gulf countries.
Scope of the Order and Washington's Stance
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott clarified that the directive applies to U.S. government employees who do not perform critical functions and their family members. He emphasized that the official order applies exclusively to Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, four U.S. officials told Reuters that U.S. diplomatic missions in other countries in the region will also send employees' families home; the department spokesperson did not mention other nations in his public statement.
Series of Strikes on Riyadh Airports
According to Pigott, the Iran-backed Houthis have increasingly targeted Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports and other critical infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties and severe disruptions to transport. On October 10, a strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed 12 people and injured 309 others; flights were diverted, and airport operations were halted. The following day, the Houthis attacked the airport again: an unidentified projectile hit the terminal, sparking a fire that left one person dead and 11 injured. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh warned on Wednesday of possible further attacks.
Iran's Role and Regional Context
According to The Wall Street Journal, Iran assisted the Houthis in these attacks, providing intelligence and helping guide missiles and drones toward oil tankers, energy facilities, and Saudi airports. The escalation in Yemen has become another front in the regional conflict that began in late February with the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran. At that time, Tehran attacked U.S. facilities in the region, most diplomats were evacuated, and the embassy in Riyadh and the CIA station located there were hit by drone strikes in early March. CBS News broadcast footage of the damage at U.S. bases in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
What's Next
Washington, according to Reuters reports, is considering evacuating the families of diplomatic personnel from other Gulf countries. Formally, however, the current State Department order is limited to Saudi Arabia, and the expansion of the evacuation geography has not yet been publicly confirmed.
