US orders non-essential diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks escalate

The US State Department has ordered the departure of non-essential personnel from its diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia, citing safety risks posed by ongoing Houthi military operations. The directive comes as the Iran-backed militant group has significantly increased its arsenal of strikes against Saudi targets, including critical infrastructure and populated areas.

American diplomatic missions across the Middle East have been operating under heightened security protocols in recent months due to regional tensions. The decision to reduce staff presence at the embassy in Riyadh underscores the US government's assessment of the threat environment posed by Houthi operations in the region.

The Houthi movement, based in Yemen, has claimed responsibility for numerous missile and unmanned aerial vehicle attacks targeting facilities in Saudi Arabia. These strikes have prompted regional allies and international partners to review their security posture and take precautionary measures to protect their personnel.

The evacuation order does not affect essential embassy functions or diplomatic operations required to maintain bilateral relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Authorities have not indicated when the non-essential staff may return to their posts.