US orders non-essential staff out of Saudi Arabia amid Houthi strikes

The US has ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks intensify. The move reflects growing concern that strikes on civilian airports and critical infrastructure could escalate rapidly, disrupting travel and threatening lives.

Saudi authorities said intercepted drone debris killed two people near the Shaybah oil field, while a strike at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam killed one and injured eight. The Houthis have also targeted Riyadh’s airport, energy facilities and military sites. The conflict’s recent escalation followed the collapse of an informal four-year ceasefire; the group says its attacks respond to a Saudi blockade and an air strike on Sanaa airport.