The US State Department has ordered some personnel to leave Saudi Arabia amid escalating attacks from Iran-backed Houthi militants. The order follows a drone attack on Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oilfield that killed two people and wounded four others. Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly targeted Saudi civilian airports and critical infrastructure.
The US embassy in Riyadh requires special permission for government personnel to use kingdom airports. Falling debris from air defense interceptions resulted in deaths of nationals from the Philippines and Nepal, while a Pakistani and Indian were injured. The oilfield attack follows Houthi strikes on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport that killed at least 18 people, including a US citizen, and left over 300 injured.
These attacks have disrupted air travel and forced the cancellation of many events, including a flagship economic conference scheduled later this month. The incident highlights the expanding regional impact of the Iran war on Saudi oil infrastructure and travel safety.
Source: Financial Times Markets · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing