U.S. orders non-emergency personnel to leave Saudi Arabia after Houthi attacks
The United States has ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia following Houthi attacks, according to the State Department.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said on Wednesday that the order was limited to Saudi Arabia after Reuters reported plans for departures across the Gulf.
“This is inaccurate. The U.S. Department of State issued an ordered departure for non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia only,” Pigott said in a social media post.
Reuters had reported, citing three U.S. officials, that the department was preparing to order some personnel and family members to leave U.S. embassies across the Gulf region. Two officials also said departures could potentially include all personnel and their families at the U.S. mission in Saudi Arabia.
The news agency has since updated its report to incorporate Pigott’s statement.
Pigott said the Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly attacked Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports and other critical infrastructure. He said the attacks have caused civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.
The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert on Wednesday warning of possible further Houthi attacks, according to Reuters. The alert followed recent deadly strikes, including an attack on Riyadh’s airport.
“The safety and security of Department personnel and their families remain our highest priority, and we will continue to take all necessary steps to protect and support them,” Pigott said.
