Archive · 20 Sep 2026
US Issues Middle East Travel Warning After Houthi Attacks
The United States warned people to be extra careful when traveling in the Middle East.
It said fighting could get worse quickly and that flights might be canceled or delayed.
The warning followed missile and drone attacks linked to Yemen's Houthi movement.
Saudi Arabia said it stopped a missile aimed at Riyadh.
Saudi officials also said other cities and infrastructure may have been targeted.
The Houthis said they attacked important places in Riyadh and an Aramco oil facility in Yanbu.
Saudi authorities said no one was hurt and no damage was found, although people reported an explosion and smoke near the Riyadh airport.
The United States is asking Americans to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia and Israel.
It is telling Americans not to travel to Yemen and warning that Iran or groups supporting Iran could threaten US interests.
The United States urged Americans to reconsider travel to and through the Middle East because of possible escalation, attacks on US interests and travel disruptions.
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a ballistic missile launched toward Riyadh and reported attempted attacks on civilian infrastructure in Bisha, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu.
The Houthis claimed they targeted sensitive sites in Riyadh and an Aramco oil facility in Yanbu with cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and drones.
Saudi authorities reported no casualties or damage, although an explosion and black smoke were reported near Riyadh's airport.
The US maintains Level 3 travel advisories for Saudi Arabia and Israel and a Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory for Yemen.
- Who
- The United States, Saudi Arabia, Yemen's Houthi movement and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces are involved; Iran and groups supportive of Iran were identified as potential threats to US interests.
- What
- The United States issued a regional travel warning after reported Houthi missile and drone attacks toward Saudi Arabia, including an intercepted missile aimed at Riyadh.
- When
- The warning and reported attacks occurred on Saturday, after emergency alerts were issued overnight Friday.
- Where
- The reported attacks involved Riyadh, Bisha, Taif, Farasan, Yanbu and several areas of Yemen; the advisory covers the broader Middle East and warns of threats to US interests worldwide.
- Why
- The State Department cited heightened regional tensions, possible rapid escalation, attacks on US interests, and potential flight and airspace disruptions.
Saudi Coalition and US Assessment
Houthi Claims and Escalation Position
What happened in the attacks
Saudi Coalition and US Assessment
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted the missile aimed at Riyadh and reported no casualties or damage. The US warned that falling debris and further attacks could threaten people and infrastructure.
Houthi Claims and Escalation Position
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group targeted sensitive sites in Riyadh and an Aramco oil facility in Yanbu using cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and drones.
Ground fighting in Yemen
Saudi Coalition and US Assessment
Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces said they thwarted a Houthi infiltration attempt in southern Marib and reported casualties among Houthi fighters and Yemeni soldiers.
Houthi Claims and Escalation Position
The Houthis continued attacks amid renewed clashes in Marib, Taiz, Lahj, al-Jawf and al-Bayda, according to the report.
Military response
Saudi Coalition and US Assessment
The US response emphasizes travel restrictions, contingency planning and protection of American interests amid possible escalation.
Houthi Claims and Escalation Position
Analyst Yasmeen al-Eryani said military options against the Houthis were limited by difficult mountainous terrain and that containing the group could be more realistic than trying to defeat it militarily.
- US regional guidance
- Americans were urged to reconsider travel to and through the Middle East, exercise heightened vigilance and prepare for disruptions.
- Saudi Arabia advisory
- Level 3: Reconsider Travel.
- Israel advisory
- Level 3: Reconsider Travel.
- Yemen advisory
- Level 4: Do Not Travel.
- Reported interception
- Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched toward Riyadh.
- Reported targets
- Saudi authorities cited Bisha, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu; the Houthis claimed attacks on sensitive Riyadh sites and an Aramco facility in Yanbu.
- US employee restrictions
- US government employees are barred from traveling within 20 miles of Yemen's border without authorization and require special permission for travel to Jizan, Asir, Najran and Qatif.
