Saudi Arabia Evacuation: Why Washington Is Pulling Diplomats Out
AT A GLANCE
- US orders non-emergency diplomats and their families to leave Saudi Arabia
- Family members at other Gulf missions are also set to depart, officials say
- Dammam airport attack: 1 killed, 8 injured
- Drone attack on Shaybah oilfield: 2 killed
Washington’s move shows the Yemen front is now a serious risk for Gulf security and global energy flows.
The US State Department has told non-emergency government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia. Four US officials say other Gulf missions will send family members home too.
Key Details
Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said on X that Iran-backed Houthis are hitting Saudi civilian airports and key infrastructure more often, causing deaths and severe travel disruption. His statement covered Saudi Arabia only.
After the order, Saudi aviation authorities reported an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. One person died and eight were hurt. Earlier that day, Saudi air defences intercepted a drone aimed at Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield. Two people were killed, the energy ministry said.
The US embassy in Riyadh has warned of more possible Houthi attacks after recent deadly strikes, including one on Riyadh’s airport.
Diplomats had been returning to the region in recent months. Many were pulled out after Iran attacked US facilities when the US-Israeli war on Iran began in late February. Drones hit the Riyadh embassy and a CIA station there in early March.
Why It Matters
Oil infrastructure, busy airports and a shrinking US diplomatic presence all point to rising risk in the Gulf. Energy traders will want to follow this closely.
Watch for confirmation from other Gulf missions, more Houthi strikes, and any new embassy alerts.
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Source: Reuters
