U.S. Embassy urges caution in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh mission warns of Houthi strikes on airports and infrastructure after ordering staff to depart on October 23.
By Bianca Herrera ·
The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh issued a new security alert on November 3, 2026, warning American citizens of ongoing threats from Yemen’s Houthis.
The embassy stated that Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia. These actions included missile and UAV attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure. The strikes have caused civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.
On October 23, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave the country. The order cited safety risks associated with the conflict. U.S. government employees currently working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization from the Chief of Mission to use any airport.
The alert advises citizens to exercise extreme caution when using airports in the kingdom. Travelers should anticipate potential attacks, airspace closures, and flight cancellations. The embassy recommends checking flight departure status directly with the airline and the airport.
The U.S. mission noted that the hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond the immediate area. The alert was posted on X by the U.S. Embassy Riyadh account. The warning follows recent missile and UAV strikes on airports in the kingdom.
