Washington urges heightened vigilance across the region as deadly attacks on Saudi Arabia continue and Iran warns of strikes on US interests.
US embassies issue security alerts in 10 Middle Eastern countries as the Saudi Houthi conflict escalates and Washington warns of possible Iranian attacks on US interests. According to AP reporting carried by Euronews, the alerts went out on September 19 and covered Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Yemen’s Houthi movement, formally called Ansar Allah, has since stepped up Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, and the Riyadh airport has been hit repeatedly.
Why US Embassies Issue Security Alerts
The State Department said the security environment remains complex, with “potential for unforeseen escalation,” according to CBS News. The Times of Israel reported that the alerts urge heightened vigilance and warn of flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions. They also say Iran and groups it supports may target US interests overseas, including businesses and institutions. CNBC reported that the State Department told Americans outside the region to seriously reconsider travel to and through the Middle East. Yemen, where much of the fighting takes place, was not among the countries listed in the AP report.
Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Grow Deadlier
Saudi Arabia said the Houthis killed at least 12 people and wounded about 300 in a third attack on the Riyadh airport in one week, Al Jazeera reported. CNN put the toll at 13 dead and more than 300 wounded. The AP reported that at least 19 people have died in Houthi attacks and that thousands of flights have been affected. Al Jazeera also reported that the Houthis describe their strikes as retaliation for Saudi attacks on the Sanaa and Hodeidah airports. Euronews reported that the group declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia in July.
The US embassy in Riyadh issued another alert on October 7 urging heightened vigilance, Al Jazeera said. CNN reported that US government staff in Saudi Arabia need special approval to travel to Taif and Yanbu.
Will the US Join the Saudi Houthi Conflict?
After the Riyadh airport attack, President Donald Trump said, “We’re going to look at it,” when asked about joining Saudi strikes, CNBC reported. CNN reported that he rejected two Saudi requests for US strikes last month. CBS News, citing AFP, reported that a Houthi official warned of a swift response against US interests if Washington joins the fighting. Fox News reported that US strikes on Iran remain on pause.
Iranian Attacks on US Interests: What Tehran Says
CNN reported that Iran, in a statement carried by Tasnim, warned that any new US attack would bring sustained strikes on US bases and interests in the region. Iran’s new defense minister threatened “enormous damage” if the United States attacks, Khaleej Times reported.
A Saudi foreign ministry official said on October 15 that Iran arms and trains the Houthis, according to Dhaka Tribune. The Times of Israel reported that Iran’s foreign ministry rejected any role in Ansar Allah operations and offered to mediate. The wider Iran war began with US and Israeli strikes in late February, Reuters reported.
Regional Response and Oil Prices
Egypt’s presidency said on October 18 that it is ready to give Saudi Arabia the support it needs, according to Reuters. Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers meeting in Manama condemned the Houthi attacks and pledged support for the kingdom, Al Jazeera reported. Fox News reported that oil prices reached a five month high as the Iran war rattled regional markets.
FAQs
Why did US embassies issue security alerts in the Middle East?
The State Department cited tensions in the region and the Saudi Houthi conflict, which it said could escalate rapidly. It also warned that Iran and groups it supports may target US interests.
Which countries are covered by the US embassy security alerts?
AP reported alerts from embassies in Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Are Americans in Saudi Arabia at risk from Houthi attacks?
The US embassy in Riyadh urged heightened vigilance on October 7 after Houthi attacks on the Riyadh airport and other airports.
What does the US travel warning for the Middle East advise?
According to CNBC, the State Department told Americans outside the region to seriously reconsider travel to and through it.
How can Americans receive US embassy security alerts?
The alerts advise US citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, as reported by Deccan Chronicle.