The United States has ordered all American embassy staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia amid concerns over sustained attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militia and the possible resumption of hostilities across the Gulf region, diplomatic sources told AFP.
The departure order also covers the families of US embassy personnel in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain, according to the sources. The move comes as Washington assesses growing security risks to its diplomatic missions and personnel in the region.
Reuters, citing three US officials on Wednesday, reported that the US State Department was preparing to order some personnel and their family members to leave American embassies across the Gulf. Two officials said the measure was linked to the possibility of renewed hostilities, particularly involving the Houthi movement in Yemen.
The developments underscore growing concerns about regional security and the potential consequences of further attacks on US personnel, diplomatic facilities and critical infrastructure.
US Embassy Warns of Further Houthi Attacks
The US Embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert warning of possible additional Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia following recent deadly strikes, including attacks affecting Riyadh’s airport.
According to two US officials cited by Reuters, the planned departures could involve the evacuation of all personnel and their families from the US Mission to Saudi Arabia.
The reported order represents a significant security precaution as Washington monitors threats linked to the conflict involving Yemen’s Houthi militia.
The Houthis, who control Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and large parts of the country, have previously launched missile and drone attacks against Saudi territory. Such attacks have raised concerns about the security of airports, energy facilities and other strategic infrastructure across the kingdom.
The latest developments have also heightened attention on the safety of foreign diplomatic personnel stationed in Gulf countries.
Drone Attack Kills Two at Saudi Oilfield
Security concerns intensified after a drone attack targeted Saudi Arabia’s Shaybah oilfield in the Eastern Province, killing two people, according to Saudi state media reports citing an Energy Ministry official.
Saudi air defences intercepted a drone attempting to strike a facility at the oilfield, the official said.
Despite the casualties, the attack did not affect operations at the Shaybah facility, according to the report.
Shaybah is a major oil-producing site in Saudi Arabia, making its security important for the kingdom’s energy sector. Any disruption to critical energy infrastructure could have wider implications for regional stability and global oil markets.
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The incident highlights the continuing vulnerability of energy facilities to drone attacks, even when air defence systems intercept incoming threats.
Gulf Security Concerns Grow
The reported departure orders come amid heightened concern about the possibility of renewed military confrontations in the Gulf region.
Saudi Arabia has faced repeated security threats from Yemen during the years-long conflict involving the Houthis and the internationally recognised Yemeni government, which has received support from a Saudi-led coalition.
The United States has maintained diplomatic and security relationships with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. Any escalation could complicate regional security arrangements and increase pressure on governments to protect diplomatic missions and critical infrastructure.
The reported evacuation measures also extend beyond Saudi Arabia, with families of US diplomatic personnel in the UAE, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain reportedly ordered to leave.
However, the available reports do not establish that all American diplomatic personnel across those four countries have been ordered to depart. Reuters reported that Washington was preparing broader departure measures involving some embassy personnel and family members.
The distinction is important because an ordered departure can apply to specific categories of personnel rather than constitute a complete closure of a diplomatic mission.
Potential Impact on Regional Stability
Further attacks on Saudi Arabia or other Gulf states could increase tensions and complicate diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider regional conflict.
The Gulf region plays a central role in global energy supplies, international shipping and trade. Continued threats to oilfields, airports and other strategic facilities could raise security costs and increase uncertainty in energy markets.
#BREAKING US embassy staff and families ordered to leave Saudi Arabia, with families of embassy staff in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain also ordered to leave, diplomatic source tells AFP https://t.co/eOay1MHj8l
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) October 21, 2026
