America orders “non-essential” employees at its embassy in Riyadh to leave... and a source explains to Ofoq News the reason.

- The US State Department ordered the departure of non-essential employees and their family members from its embassy in the Saudi capital, Riyadh; This step comes in light of the escalation of attacks launched by the Houthis in Yemen - who are supported by Iran - on the Kingdom. US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigot wrote on the “X” platform (formerly Twitter), on Wednesday: “The US State Department has issued an order for the departure of non-essential employees and their family members from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

He added: "The Iranian-backed Houthis have intensified their hostilities against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other vital infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties and causing major travel disruptions." While the State Department is reducing its presence in the Kingdom amid increasing risks, a source told Ofoq News that other US diplomatic missions in the region are also adjusting their staff numbers in response to the threat posed by the Houthis. “It's about the Houthis," a US State Department official said.

The US State Department, in a security alert issued on Wednesday, also warned American citizens of the need to be vigilant against the possibility of attacks on airports and general travel disruptions. This warning came in the wake of a series of bloody attacks launched by the Houthis in recent weeks, targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi military installations, oil infrastructure, and maritime traffic.

The security alert stated: “U.S. government employees working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must obtain special permission from the head of the diplomatic mission to use any airport within the Kingdom, following the recent attacks launched using missiles and drones targeting airports in the Kingdom.” Meanwhile, Saudi-backed forces loyal to the internationally recognized Yemeni government have expanded their operations against Houthi positions on multiple combat fronts, while the Saudi Air Force continues to provide military cover for these operations.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia announced the interception of at least 7 drones, one of which targeted the Shaybah oil field in the eastern region. An attack that killed two migrant workers and injured two others. The United States strengthened its military support for the Kingdom by intensifying the exchange of intelligence information and providing support in identifying targets, but the Kingdom continued to ask the United States for more offensive support, but US President Donald Trump has decided - so far - not to direct strikes against the Houthis.

In light of the increasing attacks on Saudi Arabia, other allies were quick to intensify their support. On Tuesday, the United Kingdom announced that it would deploy fighter planes to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks. Egypt also pledged, in recent days, to provide “all necessary and possible forms of support.”