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US embassies across the Middle East have issued security alerts after Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed attacks on Saudi Arabia, warning American citizens to exercise increased caution amid heightened regional tensions.
US embassies in Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said the ongoing military conflict could spread rapidly and that the security situation across the region remained complex.
The advisories also warned of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and disruptions to travel, urging US citizens to remain alert and monitor developments.
On Saturday, September 19, the Houthis claimed they had launched two operations targeting Saudi Arabia using ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones. The group said the attacks were carried out in response to Saudi military action against the Houthis.
According to the Houthi claim, the first attack targeted a strategic facility in the Saudi capital Riyadh, while the second targeted a Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu.
Tensions in the region have escalated since the Houthis announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in July and intensified attacks on Saudi cities and vessels.
Saudi Arabia has responded with strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. Reports said Riyadh launched the attacks this month in an attempt to halt the Houthis’ rapid advance and territorial expansion across large parts of Yemen, but the campaign has so far failed to stop their advance.
The latest developments have raised concerns that the widening confrontation could further disrupt air and maritime traffic and increase security risks across the Middle East.
