The US Department of State confirmed the ordered departure on October 21, citing growing security concerns linked to attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement. The decision was intended to protect American diplomatic personnel and their families as regional tensions intensified.

In a security alert, the US Embassy in Riyadh warned that hostilities could escalate rapidly beyond the areas directly affected. It also advised American citizens to remain alert to possible attacks, airport disruptions, airspace restrictions and flight cancellations.

The embassy said US government employees stationed in Saudi Arabia would need special authorisation from the Chief of Mission to use airports in the kingdom following recent missile and drone attacks.

The security situation has also disrupted aviation operations. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh announced a partial reopening on October 25, with domestic services and some international flights operated by Saudi carriers resuming. However, the return of flights remained limited.

Some flights normally based in Riyadh were also operating from Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim, according to the advisory provided by the embassy.

Meanwhile, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam continued operating, although travellers faced delays and cancellations.

The US warning followed deadly attacks in Saudi Arabia. Reuters reported that a strike at a civilian airport in Dammam killed at least one person and injured eight others, while a drone attack on an oilfield killed two people. Riyadh’s airport had also been affected by earlier attacks.

The developments have heightened concerns about the impact of the wider regional conflict on civilian safety, diplomatic operations, air travel and critical infrastructure.

The US Embassy urged American citizens to exercise caution around airports and confirm flight details directly with airlines and airport authorities before travelling.

The departure order applies to non-emergency US government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia. It should not be interpreted as a blanket order requiring all American citizens to leave the kingdom.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia