Travelers to hot spot sternly warned by State Department as officials deny wider Gulf shutdown
The US State Department clarified that its ordered departure applies to non-emergency government staff and their families in Saudi Arabia, not the entire Gulf region. The correction follows reports of a wider evacuation and comes amid attacks and heightened regional tensions that could disrupt travel.
Officials cited Houthi hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilian airports and other infrastructure that have caused casualties and travel disruption. They warned the security situation could escalate quickly, urged Americans in the Middle East to stay alert and monitor flights, and advised people outside the region to reconsider travel there.
- The departure order covers US government staff in Saudi Arabia only.
- Officials cited Houthi attacks and a volatile security environment.
- Travellers were warned to expect possible flight and airspace disruption.
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