State Department Clarifies Saudi Arabia Departure Order Amid Regional Evacuation Rumors
U.S. officials dismiss reports of a broader Gulf-wide evacuation, confirming the order applies only to non-emergency personnel and their families in Saudi Arabia.
The U.S. State Department has clarified that an ordered departure for U.S. government employees and their families applies specifically to Saudi Arabia, refuting circulating reports of a wider evacuation across the entire Gulf region.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that claims of a broader regional withdrawal are "inaccurate," emphasizing that the departure order is confined to the kingdom. The clarification comes amid an increase in militant attacks targeting key regional transit hubs.
The department's statement noted that "Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions." The security environment in the region is described as highly volatile, with the potential for rapid escalation.
In late September, the State Department had renewed its travel warning for Americans in the Middle East due to escalating regional tensions. This followed an incident where Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile toward Riyadh, which Saudi Arabia reported intercepting.
Residents reported hearing an explosion and seeing smoke near King Khalid International Airport, though no casualties or damage were reported at the time. The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs had previously warned on X that the Middle East security environment remains complex with potential for unforeseen escalation.
Americans in the Middle East were advised to exercise heightened vigilance, be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. The agency also noted that U.S. diplomatic facilities have been targeted.
Officials specifically cited the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis, highlighting attacks on civilian airports. The department reiterated that Americans outside the Middle East should reconsider travel to and through the region.
Earlier in June, U.S. officials had similarly urged Americans across the Middle East to remain vigilant due to mounting regional tensions, warning of potential disruptions to travel due to airspace closures, demonstrations, and threats to U.S.-associated locations.
The State Department continues to maintain a "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" advisory for Oman, citing risks from armed conflict and terrorism, including drone and missile threats from Iran.