26/10/2026
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26/10/2026
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WASHINGTON, Oct 25: The United States has warned of escalating security threats in Saudi Arabia from Yemen’s Houthi movement, as Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport partially resumed operations following a deadly attack earlier this month and renewed threats against the facility.
In an updated security alert, the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia said the State Department had ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave the kingdom, effective October 23, citing growing security risks.
“Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions,” the embassy said.
The US mission warned that the hostilities could escalate rapidly beyond the immediate areas affected by the fighting. It also cautioned American citizens about the possibility of further attacks, airspace closures and flight cancellations, urging them to exercise extreme caution when using airports across the kingdom.
US government personnel must obtain special authorization before using any airport in Saudi Arabia, according to the alert.
Riyadh airport partially resumes operations
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh partially reopened on Sunday, with Terminal 1 designated for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights operated by Saudi carriers.
The reopening followed a suspension of operations on October 10 after an attack claimed by the Houthis killed 13 people and injured more than 300, according to reports. The attack was among the deadliest to hit Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.
Despite the partial resumption of services, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree renewed warnings to airlines, airport employees and passengers against using the facility, describing it as a military target and warning that further operations against it would continue.
Passengers with confirmed bookings have been advised to contact their airlines to verify flight status before travelling to the airport. The partial reopening does not mean that all services have returned to normal.
Saudi Arabia intercepts missiles and drones
Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting additional missiles and drones on Sunday as fighting with the Houthis continued. The renewed attacks have heightened security concerns around major airports and other critical infrastructure.
The Houthis have controlled Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and other parts of the country since 2014. Fighting with Saudi-backed government forces intensified again in July following the breakdown of a truce that had largely held since 2022.
In addition to aviation facilities, Saudi energy infrastructure has also been targeted during the renewed conflict.
The latest developments have increased pressure on Saudi Arabia, a key US ally, as the wider regional conflict continues to threaten civilian safety, air travel and critical infrastructure.
