Washington is preparing to evacuate some of its embassy staff and their families from the Gulf states.
Washington is preparing to evacuate some of its embassy staff and their families from the Gulf states.
10-22-2026
Reuters reported, citing three US officials, that the US State Department is preparing to order the evacuation of some staff and their families from US embassies in the Gulf and several Middle Eastern countries. Two spokespeople, according to the agency, indicated that the decision is linked to the possibility of renewed fighting in the region, and in particular, there was talk of clashes involving the Ansar Allah movement (the Houthis).
The US Embassy in Riyadh also issued a warning today due to possible Houthi attacks on the kingdom, with two US officials noting that the evacuation order could include all US diplomatic mission staff in Saudi Arabia and their family members.
A diplomatic source confirmed to AFP that the US State Department had indeed issued a formal order for all its embassy staff in Riyadh and their families to leave Saudi Arabia. The directive also included the departure of family members of employees at US embassies in other Gulf countries in the region.
The broad security alert issued by the US State Department included its citizens in several Middle Eastern countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon. The embassies warned of the possibility that Iran and its proxies might target US interests or facilities and citizens.
The US government also imposed strict restrictions requiring its employees to obtain special permission from the head of mission to use any airport within Saudi Arabia.
burathanews.com
