US Denies Wider Gulf Embassy Evacuation, Says Departure Order Applies Only to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has clarified that its order for non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia applies only to the kingdom, rejecting reports suggesting a broader evacuation across Gulf countries. The clarification came amid escalating security concerns following attacks on Saudi civilian airports and critical infrastructure by Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen.

The announcement was made by State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, who described reports of a wider departure order as inaccurate. He said the measure was specifically limited to non-emergency US government personnel and their families in Saudi Arabia. US Issues Saudi Arabia Travel Alert; Warns Citizens Against Filming Strike Sites Amid Escalating Tensions

US Clarifies Evacuation Order Applies Only to Saudi Arabia

In a post on X, Pigott said the State Department had issued an ordered departure for non-emergency US government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia only. His statement followed media reports citing US officials that Washington was considering or preparing additional departures involving personnel or family members at diplomatic missions elsewhere in the Gulf.

The spokesperson did not confirm a region-wide evacuation order. The clarification distinguished the confirmed Saudi Arabia directive from reports about possible measures affecting other US diplomatic missions.

Houthi Attacks Raise Security Concerns in Saudi Arabia

The US decision comes amid renewed attacks attributed to the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen, including strikes targeting civilian airports and other critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The State Department cited civilian casualties and significant travel disruptions while explaining the security concerns behind the departure order. It also warned that hostilities could escalate rapidly.

On October 21, an attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam killed one person and injured eight others, according to Saudi aviation authorities. Separately, two people were killed after debris from an intercepted drone fell near the Shaybah oilfield, the Saudi Energy Ministry said. US Advises Americans in Saudi Arabia to Follow Civil Defence Alerts Amid Houthi Attacks.

US Embassy Issues Security Alert Amid Rising Tensions

The US Embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert warning of possible further Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia. The latest developments have raised concerns about the safety of diplomatic personnel and the potential disruption of civilian travel. Saudi Arabia has also faced aviation disruptions following earlier attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. Limited flight operations resumed under restrictions, while several international airlines continued to suspend services to the Saudi capital.

US Says Personnel Safety Remains a Priority

The State Department said the safety and security of its personnel and their families remained its highest priority, adding that it would continue taking necessary measures to protect them. The clarification comes against the backdrop of wider regional tensions linked to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, alongside renewed fighting involving the Houthis in Yemen. However, the confirmed departure order discussed by Pigott applies specifically to non-emergency US government employees and their families in Saudi Arabia, rather than establishing a blanket evacuation across the Gulf.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 22, 2026 08:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).