US orders non-emergency staff and families to leave Saudi Arabia over Houthi attacks

RIYADH: The United States Embassy said on Friday that Washington has ordered non-emergency government employees based in Saudi Arabia, and their families, to leave the country. The order has been in effect since 23 October. It cited threats to security as the reason.

According to the embassy, Houthi attacks have already targeted civilian airports and key installations. They caused casualties and major disruption to travel. The embassy warned that the situation could deteriorate rapidly.

After the recent missile and drone attacks, US government employees will need special permission to use Saudi airports. US citizens have been told to expect the possibility of further attacks, airspace closures and flight cancellations.

The embassy directed citizens to exercise extreme caution when travelling by air. It also barred them from photographing missile interceptions or the sites of attacks, in view of Saudi laws.

According to the embassy statement, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has been partially restored. The airports in Jeddah and Dammam are operating with some delays and cancellations.

The Saudi-led coalition announced on Thursday that two ballistic missiles fired towards Riyadh had been destroyed. On Friday, the coalition said it had also intercepted a cruise missile targeting western Saudi Arabia and a drone in the Riyadh area.

The Saudi-led coalition has been active since March 2015 in support of Yemen’s internationally recognised government. The Houthis have held the capital, Sanaa, since September 2014.