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Some US diplomats told to leave Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks
The Guardian • • world
Key Points:
- The US State Department has ordered some diplomats and families of government employees to leave Saudi Arabia due to frequent attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis targeting civilian airports and critical infrastructure.
- Recent attacks include a deadly strike on King Fahad International Airport in Dammam, killing one person and injuring eight, and debris from intercepting a drone targeting an oil facility killed two others.
- The withdrawal order applies only to Saudi Arabia, despite media reports of similar actions in the UAE, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain, which the State Department has denied.
- The escalation in attacks coincides with reports that the Trump administration is considering plans for renewed military action against Iran, although no immediate war restart is planned before the November elections.
- The US military is reportedly adjusting its presence in the Middle East to maintain operational readiness amid growing regional tensions and security concerns.
