Advice comes as tension continues to escalate across region
ISTANBUL — The US Embassy in Riyadh urged American citizens on Thursday to consider leaving Saudi Arabia “if you can do so safely,” citing ongoing escalation in the region.
In a security alert posted on the US social media company X, the embassy said it is “closely monitoring” the situation in the Middle East and is providing updates to help US citizens make informed decisions about their safety.
“We encourage US citizens to depart Saudi Arabia via commercial flights if you can do so safely,” it said.
The statement noted that Saudi airspace remains open “with frequent air traffic restrictions to address continued missile and drone threats.”
“Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam airports remain open and operational, but travelers are advised to check their flight status directly with the airline due to possible delays and cancellations,” it added.
For those who choose to remain in Saudi Arabia, the embassy urged adherence to guidance from the Kingdom’s early warning system, while cautioning that it is not consistently reliable in providing timely alerts.
Regional escalation continues to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing so far around 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation. — Anadolu Agency
