U.S. Orders Departure of Government Personnel and Families from Saudi Arabia Amid Fears of Imminent Houthi Strikes

The Donald Trump administration ordered the evacuation of U.S. government employees stationed in Saudi Arabia on the 21st local time.

This evacuation order has sparked speculation that a U.S. military operation against Yemen's pro-Iran Houthi rebels, who are engaged in conflict with Saudi Arabia, may be imminent.

Reuters reported on the same day, citing three U.S. officials, that "the U.S. State Department is preparing to issue departure orders for some personnel and family members working at U.S. embassies across the Gulf region."

Reuters noted that this measure is due to the possibility of renewed hostilities with the Houthi rebels.

The U.S. Embassy located in the Saudi capital of Riyadh previously issued an alert regarding the potential for additional attacks after recent Houthi strikes targeting Saudi locations, including the Riyadh airport.

State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott posted on X regarding the Reuters report, calling it "inaccurate," while confirming that "the State Department has ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members staying in Saudi Arabia."

Pigott explained that "the Iran-backed Houthis are acting increasingly hostile toward Saudi Arabia, which includes attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure causing civilian casualties and severe transportation disruptions."

He added, "The safety and security of State Department personnel and their families remain our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to protect and support them."

Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have been at war since the Houthis seized the Yemeni capital of Sana'a in 2014. Armed clashes between the two sides have intensified after the Houthis declared an end to a 2022 truce, prompted by an airstrike on Sana'a Airport in July.

Previously, President Trump pointed out on social media platform Truth Social on the 13th that "the Houthi rebels are behaving very badly," adding, "Even after the election, I am still in that position and will never forget," signaling a resumption of military attacks against the Houthis following the midterm elections.

However, the U.S. carried out bombing campaigns for several months early in Trump's second term last year, but failed to oust the Houthis.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.