Riyadh: The US Mission to Saudi Arabia has issued a fresh security advisory asking American citizens in the Middle East to exercise increased caution amid the risk of further attacks by Iranian-backed groups and potential threats to US officials and interests.
The alert, dated November 7, highlights the possibility of a rapid escalation in regional hostilities, warning that developments could affect commercial flights, trigger airspace closures and disrupt travel plans. Americans have been advised to follow updates from airlines and airports and make contingency arrangements before travelling.
With air services potentially affected, the mission has pointed to alternative transport options within Saudi Arabia. These include rail services operated by Saudi Arabia Railways, as well as bus and road transport providers SAT Transportation and SAPTCO. Travellers have been asked to check directly with the operators before relying on their services.
According to the advisory, Saudi Arabia’s land border crossings, including the King Fahd Causeway linking the kingdom with Bahrain, remained open. Major road networks around Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran were also functioning.
The mission additionally reported that airports in Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar and the UAE were operational when the notice was issued. It nevertheless cautioned passengers to confirm the latest position with the relevant airports, as conditions could change.
The alert cited earlier Houthi hostilities against Saudi Arabia, which have included attacks on civilian airports and essential infrastructure, causing casualties and serious interruptions to travel. It warned that the threat could extend beyond Saudi Arabia, with Iran and groups aligned with Tehran potentially targeting US-linked locations and institutions overseas.
American citizens have been advised to remain alert, keep abreast of security and transportation developments, and avoid relying on a single travel plan amid the uncertain regional situation.
