US issues Middle East alert amid Houthi attacks

Summary

• The alert comes as Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement has intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia, including reported strikes targeting Riyadh’s international airport and facilities linked to state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco.
• Saudi Arabia has sought assistance from regional partners, including Pakistan, as it faces renewed Houthi attacks.
• Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have provided Egypt with substantial financial assistance and investments since 2013.

AI Generated Summary

WASHINGTON: The United States has issued a security alert for American citizens across the Middle East amid escalating Houthi attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure, warning of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions.

The US Embassy in Riyadh said the regional security situation remained complex and could deteriorate rapidly. It urged Americans travelling to or from the Middle East to monitor airport and airline updates and prepare alternative travel arrangements.

The embassy also warned that Iran and groups aligned with Tehran could target US interests abroad, including American businesses and other institutions associated with the United States.

The alert comes as Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement has intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia, including reported strikes targeting Riyadh’s international airport and facilities linked to state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco. The attacks have caused civilian casualties and disrupted travel, according to the US embassy.

Meanwhile, Egypt has signalled its readiness to provide Saudi Arabia with necessary support to protect its security and stability as tensions spread across the region.