Amid fears US could strike Houthis, Trump orders diplomats to leave Middle East
Diplomatic departures in Saudi Arabia
The State Department directed some diplomats and relatives to depart US missions in Saudi Arabia. It is also preparing plans for possible withdrawals from other embassies, according to reports.
Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the order applied to non-emergency US government employees and their families in Saudi Arabia only. He cited Houthi attacks on civilian targets.
Deadly attacks and security warning
The US embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert warning of possible further Houthi attacks. The report also referred to a recent deadly strike on Riyadh’s airport that killed dozens.
Military movements and Iran options
Reports said the Pentagon was withdrawing American troops from bases in the region. A US official told NBC News that forces stationed in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait had also been moved.
NBC News reported that officials were presenting Trump with possible options for strikes on Iran. US officials told NBC and CBS that Washington was quietly reducing its Middle East forces because of continuing threats from the Houthis and Iran.
Wider regional conflict
Some diplomatic personnel had returned to the region in recent months after earlier withdrawals. Those departures followed Tehran’s attacks on US facilities after the US-Israeli war on Iran began in late February.
The escalation in Yemen has added another front to the regional conflict. The war has also caused heavy damage to global energy trade, according to the report.
Key points
- The State Department ordered some US diplomats and family members to leave Saudi Arabia.
- Houthi attacks killed at least two people at Dammam’s civilian airport and injured eight others.
- Reports said US troops were being moved from bases across the region.
- Officials presented Trump with options for strikes on Iran, according to NBC News.