SRINAGAR: The United States has advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia, citing the risk of Iranian missile and drone attacks, armed conflict and terrorism, while separately warning against travel to areas along the Yemen border.
The US State Department issued the Level 3 ‘Reconsider Travel’ advisory, citing risks including Iranian attacks targeting American interests, terrorism, armed conflict and possible exit bans. It also warned that some parts of Saudi Arabia face heightened risks.
The advisory said Iran had launched missiles and drones towards Saudi Arabia, with attacks targeting cities, infrastructure, airports, military bases, diplomatic facilities and energy installations. It also cited threats from Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen.
Commercial flights from Saudi Arabia remain operational but have faced significant disruptions, the State Department said.
The department has separately placed the Yemen border region under a Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ warning because of the threat of terrorism. It said armed groups in Yemen had attacked Saudi border towns and other locations in the kingdom using drones, missiles and rockets.
The updated advisory comes amid renewed fighting involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. On Tuesday, Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered the holy city’s restricted airspace, according to the Saudi-led coalition. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki described the security of Mecca as a “red line”.
Saudi authorities had also issued security alerts in Mecca, Jeddah and other areas following recent attacks. The alerts were subsequently lifted after authorities said the immediate threat had passed.
The State Department said the threat of Iranian drone and missile attacks had remained since hostilities between the United States and Iran began on February 28.
