U.S. orders non-emergency staff and families to leave Saudi Arabia
The State Department issued an ordered departure for non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia, citing Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian airports and other critical infrastructure. Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the order applies to Saudi Arabia only, after earlier reports of a wider Gulf departure. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert warning of possible further Houthi attacks.
The day's 5 biggest stories, verified, free by email
▶ Watch the 90-second briefing (story 1 of 5) 🔔 Get 6 AM & 5 PM alerts
Why it matters
U.S. government employees in non-emergency roles and their families must leave Saudi Arabia. The State Department says Houthi attacks have hit civilian airports and other critical infrastructure, causing civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh has issued a security alert warning of possible further attacks.
Sources
- Al-Monitor (Reuters): US orders departure of diplomats from Saudi Arabia amid Houthi strikes
- Fox News: US government staff ordered out of Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks
- Times of Israel live blog (AFP), Oct. 21
- Times Kuwait: Ordered departure for Saudi Arabia only
Also in this edition
Get the catch-up in your inbox
The same fact-checked briefing, sources included, at 6 AM and 5 PM Central. No spin, no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
We only use your email to send the briefing.