US Issues Security Alert to Citizens in Middle East After Houthis Attack Saudi Arabia
By Aldgra Fredly
The United States warned American citizens in the Middle East to remain vigilant on Thursday after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis attacked two civilian airports in Saudi Arabia and other critical infrastructure, resulting in civilian deaths.
The U.S. State Department warned that the situation could escalate rapidly, potentially leading to flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions in the region.
“Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions,” it stated in a post on X.
Saudi authorities said in a statement that three people were killed and 36 others were injured in separate attacks targeting Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7, for which the Houthi terrorist group has claimed responsibility.
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation said it was still assessing the damage and verifying the safety of the affected facilities. The agency also noted that it would take necessary measures to ensure the security and safety of the country’s civil aviation system.
The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia said in a post on X that U.S. government employees in Saudi Arabia will now need to obtain special authorization to use King Khalid International Airport and are prohibited from traveling within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks.
The Houthis said the attacks on Saudi Arabia were a response to the country’s support for government forces in Yemen’s reignited civil war. Saudi Arabia has expressed support for an offensive by Yemen’s U.N.-recognized government aimed at reclaiming territory held by the Houthis.
Yemeni Minister of Information Moammar al-Eryani said on Oct. 5 that government forces, which launched an offensive last week, had made a rapid advance with Saudi air support and seized key positions in Dhubab, next to the key international waterway.
Al-Eryani said that the armed forces had regained an airstrip at Dhubab, which is just inland, and cut off Houthi forces in the area, but that fighting remained ongoing.
Saudi Arabia signed a defense agreement with Turkey and Pakistan on Aug. 7 that stipulates that an attack on any one of the three countries would be considered an attack on all three.
Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Rayed Krimly said at the time that the defense pact would enable the trio of powers to “develop joint defense capabilities, strengthen strategic deterrence, enhance readiness, and further develop and integrate their respective defense capabilities to jointly address any threats to their safety and security.”
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Thursday that military officials were assessing ways to support Saudi Arabia, particularly in air defense, electronic warfare, and technical support. He ruled out Turkey’s participation in offensive operations.
Chris Summers and Reuters contributed to this report.
