The State Department issued a caution warning to Americans in the Middle East on Saturday night after Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a ballistic missile at an airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital.
“Due to tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation,” the announcement said. “Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.”
Saudi Arabian authorities confirmed on Saturday afternoon that the Iran-backed terrorist group launched ballistic missiles at Riyadh, the first time it has done so since tensions escalated in Yemen in July. The Saudi-led fighting coalition said the attempt was intercepted and no casualties occurred, according to the Associated Press. An air raid alert had been issued after explosions were heard near the King Khalid International Airport on Saturday morning, but it was lifted shortly after. The Saudis also said the Houthis tried to attack infrastructure in the port city of Yanbu.
“Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports,” the announcement also said. “This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly. Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region. Those who do travel to or from the region should monitor information about airport and airline operations.”
RIYADH AIRPORT EXPLOSION PROMPTS SAUDI ARABIA TO ISSUE AIR RAID ALERTS AS HOUTHI FIGHTING ESCALATES
President Donald Trump flew back to the White House from Camp David on Saturday evening, a day earlier than originally planned, but it is unclear whether that schedule change is related to the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Little progress has been made in negotiating an end to the conflict in Iran in recent months, though the volume of oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz has steadily increased over that period.
The department has issued only a few caution warnings since the conflict began in February.
