Riyadh:The United States Mission in Saudi Arabia has issued a security alert, urging American citizens in the country to exercise heightened vigilance due to an increased threat of attacks by Houthi forces. The alert comes as tensions escalate, with the Houthis targeting civilian airports and critical infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties and significant travel disruptions.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the mission has advised extreme caution for those using airports in Saudi Arabia. Travelers are encouraged to verify their flight status directly with airlines and airports. While Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport has partially reopened for domestic flights and select international services by Saudi carriers, flights typically based in Riyadh are operating from Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim. Airports in Jeddah and Dammam remain operational, albeit with some delays and cancellations.

The State Department has also directed non-emergency US government employees and family members to leave Saudi Arabia as of October 23. US government personnel in the kingdom must obtain special authorization from the chief of mission to use any Saudi airport and are forbidden from traveling within 20 miles of the Yemeni border. Despite the situation, all land border crossings, including the King Fahd Causeway to Bahrain, remain open, and Americans are urged to heed emergency alerts from Saudi Civil Defense.

The alert is issued amidst growing hostilities between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with ongoing interceptions of missiles and drones targeting the kingdom. The conflict in Yemen began in 2014 when the Houthis took control of Sanaa and other provinces, leading to a Saudi-led coalition intervention in 2015 to support the Yemeni government.