The Government of the United States has instructed the evacuation of non-essential personnel assigned to its diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia, as well as their families, due to the worsening security context caused by the intensification of the conflict in Yemen.
In a statement released via social media, the spokesperson for the State Department, Tommy Pigott, has confirmed the issuance of an "ordered departure of non-essential employees of the United States Government and their families in Saudi Arabia."
"The safety and protection of Department personnel and their families remain our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to protect and support them," Pigott explained.
The spokesperson also emphasized that "Iran-backed Houthis have increasingly intensified their hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure that have resulted in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions," which has led Washington to adopt this preventive decision.