OMM Redaksiyası
The US Mission in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday urged Americans to reconsider travel to the kingdom, citing risks from Iranian and Houthi missile and drone attacks, armed conflict and terrorism.
In an advisory shared on “X”, the mission kept Saudi Arabia at Level 3, meaning travellers should reconsider their plans, while assigning Level 4, or “do not travel”, to the area along the Yemen border. The US system also includes Level 1, which advises normal precautions, and Level 2, which calls for increased caution.
US government employees in Saudi Arabia need special authorization to use any airport in the country and are barred from travelling within 20 miles (32 kilometres) of the Yemeni border. They also require authorization to visit Jizan, Asir and Najran provinces, and the cities of Qatif, Taif and Yanbu. The mission advised US citizens in the kingdom to take similar precautions.
According to the advisory, the threat of Iranian drone and missile attacks has persisted since hostilities between the United States and Iran began on Feb. 28. Commercial flights are operating from Saudi Arabia, but have at times experienced significant disruptions.
The advisory said Iran and the Iran-backed Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks into Saudi Arabia, targeting cities, infrastructure, airports, military bases, diplomatic sites and energy facilities. Falling debris from intercepted projectiles also poses a risk.
US citizens were warned not to photograph or film interceptions or affected sites, or share information about them. The advisory also cited terrorism, exit bans and the enforcement of Saudi laws governing social media activity as risks for travellers.
The warning follows security alerts issued by the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia in recent days amid attacks and threats targeting the kingdom. On Monday, the embassy renewed its alert for a third consecutive day after attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and an attack targeting King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
The embassy warned of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions, and urged US citizens to exercise caution at major airports. Saudi authorities have reported missile and drone attacks targeting airports and other sites in recent days, while the Houthis have threatened further attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities.
Meanwhile, a Saudi-led coalition has intensified military operations against Houthi positions in Yemen, including airstrikes in the capital, Sanaa.
