US orders departure of some embassy staff and families from Saudi Arabia amid Houthi threat

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1. 1h ago

   US orders departure of some embassy staff and families from Saudi Arabia amid Houthi threat

   The US has ordered the departure of non-essential staff and family members from its embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, due to intensifying Houthi strikes on the kingdom. The move comes amid rising concerns about the threat posed by the Iranian-allied Houthi militia in Yemen. The US military has also been quietly reducing its footprint at posts in the Middle East due to regional threats from the Houthis and direct threats from Iran.

   Why it matters

   The Houthi militia in Yemen has been launching sustained deadly attacks on Saudi Arabia, prompting the US to take measures to ensure the safety of its diplomats and military personnel. The US embassy in Riyadh has been affected by these developments, leading to the decision to evacuate non-essential staff and family members. This move reflects the growing concerns about the security situation in the region.

   What is confirmed

   • The US State Department ordered the departure of non-essential staff and family members at its US Embassy in Riyadh.
   • The move comes amid intensifying strikes on Saudi Arabia by the Iranian-allied Houthi militia in Yemen.
   • The US military has also been quietly reducing its footprint at posts in the Middle East due to regional threats from the Houthis and direct threats from Iran.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Similar withdrawals from UAE, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain reported as concerns grow about restart of war with Iran after US midterm elections

   What to watch next

   • Further developments in the security situation in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region
   • The US midterm elections and their potential impact on US foreign policy in the region
   • The response of the Saudi government to the Houthi attacks and the US evacuation of diplomats
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — US Iran War Live Updates: Hegseth says US troops in Israel ready to ensure Iran 'never has a nuclear weapon'
   2. Reuters — EXCLUSIVE: US preparing to issue ordered departure of some personnel from Gulf embassies, say US officials
   3. CBS News — U.S. ordering some government staff to depart Saudi Arabia as concerns about Houthis flare
   4. CNN — US orders departure of some embassy staff and families from Saudi Arabia amid Houthi threat
   5. The Guardian — Some US diplomats told to leave Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks
   6. Yahoo — Washington orders US embassy staff, families to leave Saudi Arabia
   7. www.cbsnews.com — U.S. ordering some government staff to depart Saudi Arabia as ...
   8. Reuters — Oil rises as US orders diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia amid escalating tensions
   9. Fox News — Travelers to hot spot sternly warned by State Department as officials deny wider Gulf shutdown
   10. www.cnn.com — US orders departure of some embassy staff and families from ...
   11. www.theguardian.com — Some US diplomats told to leave Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks
   12. seekingalpha.com — Weekly Commentary: Need To Talk
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