Washington, Oct 22: The United States Department of State has ordered non-emergency government personnel and their family members to depart from diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia amid growing security risks across the region. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed the directive, citing an intensification of hostilities and targeted drone strikes by Iran-aligned Houthi forces against critical infrastructure, airports, and energy facilities within the kingdom.
The mandatory departure order follows recent deadly cross-border strikes, including a drone incident near the Shaybah oilfield that caused civilian casualties. While Washington clarified that the withdrawal order specifically applies to non-essential personnel and dependents stationed in Saudi Arabia, U.S. diplomatic posts across the Gulf region remain on heightened alert as security conditions are continuously monitored.
