US orders staff withdrawal from Saudi Arabia over Houthi escalation

The US State Department has ordered the departure of non-essential staff from Saudi Arabia, citing escalating attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces operating from Yemen. The directive underscores mounting security concerns as the militant group intensifies its campaign against Saudi targets across the border.

Official statements indicate that the Houthis have "increasingly engaged in hostilities" against the Kingdom, prompting Washington to reassess the safety of its diplomatic and civilian personnel stationed in the country. The order affects non-emergency staff at US facilities throughout Saudi Arabia.

The Houthi movement, which controls significant portions of Yemen's population centers, has conducted numerous cross-border operations against Saudi Arabian infrastructure and military installations. The group maintains backing from Iran, despite international sanctions and military intervention by a Saudi-led coalition.

This marks a notable shift in US posture toward personnel deployment in the region, reflecting broader tensions stemming from proxy conflicts and maritime security threats that have threatened global shipping lanes in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. The withdrawal comes amid international scrutiny of escalating violence in the Arabian Peninsula and its implications for regional stability.