US warns citizens of potential Houthi attacks, travel disruptions in Saudi Arabia

Diyar Guldogan

The US Mission in Saudi Arabia issued a security warning Monday to American citizens following hostilities involving Yemen’s Houthi group and Saudi Arabia.

“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 mission said in an advisory.

The mission warned that the situation could escalate rapidly beyond the immediate area, raising concerns about potential security threats and disruptions to commercial air travel.

“US citizens should be aware of potential attacks on airports, airspace closures, flight cancellations and travel disruptions. Please take extreme caution if you choose to use airports in Saudi Arabia,” it said.

The advisory came amid escalating hostilities between the Houthi group and the Saudi-led coalition which supports Yemen’s internationally recognized government.

Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition against the Houthis since March 2015 after the group seized Yemen’s capital Sanaa and other parts of the country in 2014.