US Orders Non-Emergency Staff Out of Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Attacks

The United States has ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to depart Saudi Arabia as a result of intensified Houthi attacks within the kingdom. The State Department confirmed the mandatory departure order applies solely to Saudi Arabia, pushing back against reports of broader evacuations across the Gulf.

This directive follows a significant increase in Houthi missile and drone strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, including airports, which have resulted in casualties and disrupted travel. "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," a State Department spokesperson stated.

President Trump is reportedly considering direct U.S. military action against the Houthi group. The frequency of Houthi strikes and attempted strikes on Saudi Arabia more than doubled in a single week this month, according to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project. Airports in Riyadh, Jizan, Najran, Dammam, and Abha have been targeted since October 5.

The deadliest attack occurred at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killing at least 13 people and injuring over 300.

In response to the escalating threat, Saudi Arabia is seeking additional military support from allies. Britain has announced the deployment of Typhoon fighter jets to aid in defending Saudi cities and critical infrastructure. Egypt is also providing assistance, and Israel has offered its support.

Riyadh has requested additional missile interceptors from Washington, though U.S. officials have noted that global demand is straining available supplies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the high demand for interceptors, stating that the U.S. must balance requests from allies with its own military needs.

The ongoing attacks highlight the challenges Saudi Arabia faces in defending its extensive territory against relatively inexpensive missiles and drones, even with advanced air defense systems. Farea Al-Muslimi, a research fellow at Chatham House, noted that non-state actors like the Houthis can impose significant costs with minimal expenditure, posing a substantial challenge to sophisticated military forces.

President Trump has previously indicated the possibility of direct military intervention against the Houthis, stating in early October that the U.S. might join Saudi strikes. The U.S. conducted a two-month bombing campaign against Houthi targets in Yemen in 2025, which was later halted following an Omani-brokered agreement. Currently, the U.S. continues to provide intelligence and targeting support to Saudi Arabia as the situation develops.