The United States has advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia amid renewed security threats from Iranian missile and drone attacks, armed conflict and terrorism. It also issued a separate Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning for the Yemen border.“Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to risk of Iranian drone and missile targeting of American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans”, the US Embassy in Riyadh said in the advisory.The US State Department’s Level 3 advisory, issued on September 15, comes as Saudi Arabia faces a fresh wave of attacks linked to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, including the interception of a drone south of the holy city of Mecca.It said some parts of the country face higher risks and warned that commercial flights, while still operating, have faced significant disruptions.
Why has the US issued a travel warning for Saudi Arabia?
The advisory comes amid a wider escalation in the region. The State Department said that since hostilities between the US and Iran began on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran.It said missiles and drones have been launched towards Saudi Arabia, while Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen have also threatened further attacks on the kingdom.Saudi Arabia has faced a series of recent Houthi attacks, including strikes targeting Saudi territory and military infrastructure. On Tuesday, Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered the holy city’s restricted airspace, according to the Saudi-led coalition. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki described Mecca’s security as a “red line”.Saudi Arabia had also issued security alerts in Mecca, Jeddah and other areas following recent Houthi attacks. The alerts were later lifted after authorities said the immediate threat had passed.
Yemen border under ‘Do Not Travel’ warning
The US has placed the Saudi-Yemen border region under a separate Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning because of the threat of terrorism. The State Department said armed groups in Yemen have attacked Saudi border towns and other locations with drones, missiles and rockets, putting people near the border at increased risk.US government employees working in Saudi Arabia are restricted from travelling within 20 miles of the Yemen border. They also face restrictions on travel to Qatif, Jizan, Asir and Najran, with special authorisation required for travel to several of these areas.The advisory also warned Americans about possible terrorist attacks at airports, military facilities, energy sites, hotels, transport hubs, tourist locations and crowded areas.It cautioned that Saudi authorities can detain people over social media posts considered critical, offensive or disruptive to public order. The State Department said some US citizens have been arrested over online activity, including posts made before they entered Saudi Arabia.
