In brief
The U.S. State Department has instructed several diplomats and their families to evacuate Saudi Arabia amid a surge of Houthi strikes that have killed three people, including two at an oil field and one at a major airport. The latest assaults have hit civilian targets, prompting fears of rapid escalation. The move follows a brief ceasefire that collapsed in July after the Houthis launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi airfields and fuel facilities. Officials warn of further civilian casualties and travel disruptions as tensions mount.
In a swift move, the U.S. State Department ordered several U.S. diplomats and their families to exit Saudi Arabia as a surge of Houthi attacks continues to shake the kingdom.
The attack on the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam left three people dead and dozens wounded, while a drone strike on the Shaybah oil field near the UAE border killed two more.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, who have been mounting missile and drone assaults on Saudi airfields and fuel facilities, have been escalating violence after a brief ceasefire collapsed in July.
“The hostilities pose a risk of rapid escalation,” a U.S. State Department spokesperson said, warning of potential travel disruptions and civilian casualties.
Arabian security officials say the airport drone was intercepted only after debris caused lethal casualties, highlighting the growing risk to civilian infrastructure.
