Archive · 21 Sep 2026
US Restricts Employee Travel in Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Attacks
The United States has warned its workers in Saudi Arabia to be especially careful.
They now need permission before traveling to two cities, Taif and Yanbu.
This is because Houthi forces have launched missiles and drones toward Saudi Arabia.
One missile was aimed at Riyadh, but Saudi-led coalition forces said it was stopped.
Saudi authorities also reported an aerial threat and an explosion near Riyadh’s airport, with no reported casualties or damage.
American citizens were told to watch official news and keep their phones charged.
They were also advised to stay away from windows during an attack and avoid large gatherings.
Qatar condemned the attacks and expressed support for Saudi Arabia.
US government employees in Saudi Arabia need special authorization to travel to Taif and Yanbu.
The restrictions follow Houthi missile and drone attacks directed toward Saudi Arabia, including a missile aimed at Riyadh.
Saudi-led coalition forces said the Riyadh-bound missile was intercepted and reported attempted strikes on civilian areas and infrastructure.
The US Mission urged Americans to monitor alerts, avoid large gatherings, stay away from windows during attacks and follow Saudi authorities’ instructions.
The United States maintains a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory for Saudi Arabia amid risks including missile attacks, armed conflict and terrorism.
- Who
- The United States, its government employees and citizens in Saudi Arabia, Houthi forces, Saudi authorities and Qatar.
- What
- The United States imposed travel-authorization requirements for employees visiting Taif and Yanbu after Houthi missile and drone attacks toward Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The alert followed recent attacks and an emergency warning issued on Saturday; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Taif, Yanbu, Bish and Farasan.
- Why
- The restrictions were imposed because of the ongoing security situation and heightened risks from missile attacks, armed conflict and terrorism.
- Restricted travel
- US government employees need special authorization for official and personal travel to Taif and Yanbu.
- Reported target
- A Houthi ballistic missile was directed at Riyadh.
- Interception
- Saudi-led coalition forces said the missile was intercepted.
- Riyadh incident
- Authorities reported an explosion and a large plume of smoke near Riyadh’s airport, with no reported casualties or damage.
- US travel advisory
- The State Department maintains a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory for Saudi Arabia.
- Consular services
- Regular and emergency consular services remain available for US citizens.
- Qatar’s response
- Qatar condemned the attacks as violations of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and international law.