Summary
- The United States has advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia amid concerns over possible Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting US interests in the kingdom.
- The US Embassy in Riyadh issued a Level 3 travel advisory, citing risks linked to Iranian attacks, armed conflict, terrorism and the possibility of exit restrictions.
- According to the embassy, the threat of Iranian drone and missile attacks has remained a concern since hostilities between the United States and Iran began on February 28.
The United States has advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia amid concerns over possible Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting US interests in the kingdom.
The US Embassy in Riyadh issued a Level 3 travel advisory, citing risks linked to Iranian attacks, armed conflict, terrorism and the possibility of exit restrictions. The advisory also urged Americans to avoid the Saudi-Yemeni border because of the threat of terrorism.
According to the embassy, the threat of Iranian drone and missile attacks has remained a concern since hostilities between the United States and Iran began on February 28.
US government personnel in Saudi Arabia are subject to additional restrictions. Employees are prohibited from travelling within 20 miles, or around 32 kilometres, of the Yemeni border because of security concerns. Non-essential travel to Qatif is also restricted, while visits to Jizan, Asir, Najran and Qatif require special authorisation.
The latest advisory comes as Saudi Arabia has faced a series of missile and drone incidents. On Wednesday, the Saudi-led coalition said its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed a drone near Makkah that had been launched by Yemen’s Houthi group.
A day earlier, the coalition reported that missile and drone attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif had injured 13 civilians. The attacks also reportedly damaged seven homes and two vehicles.
Saudi authorities subsequently issued security warnings in several areas, including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, Jeddah, Taif, Yanbu and AlUla.
The kingdom also reported a separate drone incident last week involving attacks launched from Iraq. According to Saudi authorities, the drones targeted the East-West oil pipeline in the Riyadh and Madinah regions, causing injuries and damage and leading to a precautionary shutdown of the pipeline.
The US embassy said the latest travel guidance reflects the continuing security situation in the region. The advisory follows growing tensions linked to the wider US-Iran conflict and attacks involving missiles and drones across the Middle East.
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