US orders departure of some embassy staff and their families from Saudi Arabia amid Houthi threat

The US State Department has ordered the departure of non-essential personnel and their family members from its embassy in Riyadh, a move that comes amid intensifying strikes against Saudi Arabia by Iran-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen.

“The U.S. State Department has ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to Saudi Arabia,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott wrote on »

As the State Department reduces its footprint in Saudi Arabia in the face of escalating risks, a few other U.S. diplomatic posts in the region are also adjusting their staffing levels in response to the Houthi threat, a source told CNN.

“It’s the Houthis,” a State Department official said.

The State Department also warned in a security alert Wednesday that U.S. citizens should be aware of potential attacks at airports and general travel disruptions. The message to Americans came after a series of deadly Houthi attacks in recent weeks that targeted Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, Saudi military installations, oil infrastructure and maritime traffic.

“US government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special permission from the Chief of Mission to use any airport in Saudi Arabia following recent missile and drone attacks on airports in the Kingdom,” the alert said.

Saudi-backed forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognized government have expanded operations against Houthi positions across several front lines, while Saudi air power continues to provide military cover.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia announced it had intercepted at least seven drones, including one targeting the Shaybah oil field in the kingdom’s eastern province, in an attack that killed two expatriate workers and injured two others.

On Wednesday evening, at least one person was killed and eight others injured in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, in the east of the country, according to the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority. The airport also suffered damage, the extent of which is still being assessed.

The United States has stepped up its military support for the kingdom by strengthening intelligence and targeting its support. But Saudi Arabia has asked the United States for more offensive support, and so far President Donald Trump has decided not to strike the Houthis.

Earlier this month, Trump stopped short of committing to possible U.S. strikes, telling reporters that Houthi attacks were “not acceptable” and that the United States would “consider” whether to join the Saudis.

As Saudi Arabia finds itself increasingly under attack, other allies have also increased their support. On Tuesday, the United Kingdom announced it would deploy warplanes to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks. Egypt has also promised “all necessary and possible forms of support” in recent days.

This story has been updated with additional details.

CNN’s Mohammed Tawfeeq and Hira Humayun contributed reporting.