Riyadh:The US Mission in Saudi Arabia has cautioned Americans to reconsider their travel to the kingdom, highlighting the potential threats from Iranian and Houthi missile and drone attacks, as well as armed conflict and terrorism.
According to Anadolu Agency, the mission issued a travel advisory on social media, maintaining Saudi Arabia at a Level 3 status, which advises reconsidering travel. The area along the Yemen border has been designated as Level 4, indicating "do not travel." This advisory requires US government employees in Saudi Arabia to obtain special authorization to use any airport and prohibits travel within 20 miles of the Yemeni border. Special authorization is also needed to visit the provinces of Jizan, Asir, and Najran, as well as the cities of Qatif, Taif, and Yanbu. Americans in Saudi Arabia are advised to take similar precautions.
The advisory notes that since hostilities between the US and Iran began on February 28, there has been a persistent threat of missile and drone attacks from Iran. Though commercial flights continue to operate from Saudi Arabia, they have occasionally faced significant disruptions. Iran and the Iran-backed Houthis have launched attacks targeting various sites, including cities, infrastructure, airports, military bases, diplomatic sites, and energy facilities. The risk of falling debris from intercepted missiles and drones is also highlighted, with warnings against photographing or sharing information about interceptions or affected sites.
The advisory also points to other risks such as terrorism, exit bans, and the enforcement of Saudi laws on social media activities. This follows a series of security alerts issued by the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia amid recent attacks and threats. The embassy renewed its security alert for a third consecutive day following recent attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, warning of possible flight cancellations and travel disruptions.
Saudi authorities have reported missile and drone attacks on airports and other sites, while the Houthis have threatened further attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities. Meanwhile, a Saudi-led coalition has intensified military operations against Houthi positions in Yemen, including airstrikes in the capital, Sanaa.