U.S. ramps up warnings to Americans in Middle East after Houthi strikes
U.S. diplomatic missions across the Middle East have issued a new round of warnings to Americans amid attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants against Saudi Arabia.
Key points
- U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and other countries issued new security alerts on Sunday.
- An Oct. 10 Houthi strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport killed an American citizen and at least 13 people in total.
- Yemen's government is seeking more U.S. intelligence, air defenses and coast guard support, but not ground troops.
U.S. diplomatic missions across the Middle East issued new security warnings to Americans on Sunday, citing escalating attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants on Saudi Arabia. The alerts came after an Oct. 10 strike on Riyadh's international airport that killed an American citizen.
Embassies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and several other countries warned that hostilities could spread quickly and without warning. The advisories urged Americans to be vigilant and prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions.
State Department explains the alerts
Edgar Vasquez, the State Department's deputy assistant secretary for press, told CBS News that the alerts are part of a proactive effort to make Americans aware of potential risks. He said the safety and security of U.S. citizens remain the department's "top priority."
The State Department has kept restrictions on diplomatic operations in parts of the region since the U.S. and Israel went to war with Iran in February. Officials have described the restrictions as temporary, allowing embassies to adjust staffing as security conditions change.
We are actively warning U.S. citizens about the very real threat the Houthis pose and urging them to heed official guidance
— Edgar Vasquez
Strikes and regional response
The Oct. 10 airport attack killed at least 13 people and injured more than 300, according to Saudi authorities. On Tuesday, the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh and a drone near the capital.
President Trump has declined repeated requests from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for direct U.S. military intervention, though he has not ruled out joining airstrikes. Ambassador Marwan Ali Noman, political adviser to Yemen's foreign minister, told CBS News that Yemen's government wants more U.S. and international assistance, including intelligence sharing, air defenses and coast guard support, but not ground troops.
