The US Department of State’s Consular Affairs has issued a security alert for the Middle East, urging American citizens in the region to exercise heightened vigilance amid ongoing tensions and the potential for an unforeseen escalation.
In the alert posted on X, the department said the security environment in the region “remains complex" and warned Americans to be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions.
The alert also highlighted hostilities involving Iranian-supported Houthis and Saudi Arabia, including attacks targeting civilian airports. “This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly," the department said.
The US State Department advised Americans outside the Middle East to “seriously reconsider travel to and through the region." Those travelling to or from the Middle East were urged to monitor information on airport and airline operations.
The department further warned that US diplomatic facilities, including those located outside the Middle East, have been targeted. It said Iran and groups supportive of Iran could target other US interests overseas, including locations associated with the United States and Americans, as well as US businesses and other institutions.
The warning came after Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed on Saturday that they had launched missiles and drones at “sensitive" sites in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Flames and a large plume of black smoke were reported near the city’s airport, while Saudi authorities issued alerts warning residents of a possible aerial attack.
Saudi Arabia’s military coalition said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a missile fired towards Riyadh. An all-clear was issued by authorities later.
Reuters reported that the Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks targeting sites in the Saudi capital, while Saudi officials confirmed that the missile heading towards Riyadh had been intercepted.
