Washington: The United States has told its citizens to think twice before travelling to or transiting through West Asia, cautioning that tensions in the region could spark sudden escalation, disrupt air traffic and put US-linked targets at risk, ANI reported.
The alert came as Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired missiles and drones toward Saudi Arabia, including an attempted strike on Riyadh.
In a global travel caution, the US Department of State urged Americans already in West Asia to stay especially alert and be ready for flight cancellations, airspace shutdowns and other interruptions to their journeys.
The department also flagged the danger that Iran and factions aligned with Tehran could go after US interests, companies and institutions abroad.
“Due to tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation,” the State Department said in its advisory.
Missile Intercepted Over Riyadh
The warning followed reports from Saudi Arabia that a Houthi-fired ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh had been intercepted.
The Saudi-led coalition added that the Houthis had tried to hit civilian infrastructure in Bisha, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu.
For Saudi Arabia, the US State Department has maintained a Level 3 – Reconsider Travel advisory. The department cites the risk of Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans and local laws concerning social media activity.
The State Department said Iranian missiles and drones have previously targeted cities, infrastructure, airports, military bases, diplomatic facilities and energy installations in Saudi Arabia. It also warned that falling debris from intercepted projectiles could pose a risk.
US government employees in Saudi Arabia face additional restrictions, including a prohibition on travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border. Special authorisation is required for travel to Jizan, Asir, Najran and Qatif.
The department also warned that commercial flights from Saudi Arabia remain operational but have faced significant disruptions amid the conflict.
Security Alert At US Missions
Meanwhile, Yemen remains under a Level 4 – Do Not Travel advisory, with the State Department citing terrorism, armed conflict, kidnapping, unrest and other security risks.
That was followed by a high security alert across US Diplomatic missions in West Asia. The US urged Americans to exercise caution in Iraq, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, Lebanon, Kuwait and Jordan.
“Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports. This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly. Americans traveling to or from the region should monitor information about airport and airline operations. U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions,” the alert said.
The latest advisory comes amid renewed fighting involving the Houthis in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
According to Al Jazeera, Saudi Arabia-led coalition forces said the Houthis fired a ballistic missile towards Riyadh early Saturday, which was intercepted and destroyed. Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki said the Houthis had also attempted to target civilians and civilian infrastructure in Bisha, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu.
Saudi Arabia triggered emergency alerts across the kingdom late on Friday night, warning residents of a “hostile aerial threat.” At least one explosion was heard in Riyadh on Saturday, and people living near the airport reported seeing a thick column of black smoke. Saudi officials said there were no casualties or damage.
According to Al Jazeera, this was the first air‑raid alert in Riyadh since hostilities between Saudi‑backed forces and the Houthis intensified in July.
Meanwhile, the US State Department continues to maintain a Level 3: “Reconsider Travel” advisory for Israel. It also cautioned that US diplomatic facilities and American interests could face threats from Iran and pro‑Tehran groups, including at locations outside the Middle East.
