The State Department issued a warning to Americans in the Middle East that the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Ansar Allah in Yemen could “escalate rapidly.” The war has already intensified in recent weeks as Ansar Allah has conducted a major offensive.
“Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions,” the State Department warned via its TravelGov X account on Saturday. “Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports. This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly.”
On Sunday, the State Department issued a second warning, saying US government employees in Saudi Arabia now need special authorization for official or personal travel to Taif and Yanbu.
The notice was issued just after Ansar Allah launched a major attack on Riyadh. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a ballistic missile targeting the capital, while smoke and flames were reported near King Khalid International Airport. Ansar Allah said it targeted “sensitive sites” in Riyadh and caused “massive fires.”
Following the attack, a Turkish official said Ankara was willing to provide Riyadh with military assistance. “We see there are very serious attacks on Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity, sovereignty. We have an alliance agreement in our pact. We are in serious solidarity on this point.” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan continued, “They may have some military needs, especially on some technical issues. We would have no issues in meeting these.”
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed a mutual defense pact earlier this year. So far, neither Turkey nor Pakistan has directly intervened in Saudi Arabia following attacks from Iran and Ansar Allah. Pakistani officials said last week they were preparing to provide assistance to Saudi Arabia.
On Sunday, senior Ansar Allah official Mohamed al-Bukhaiti warned other countries against joining the conflict, saying the group is currently at war only with Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has also requested support from the US. However, President Donald Trump rejected Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s appeals for direct action against Ansar Allah. Trump did agree to provide Riyadh with targeting and intelligence assistance.
However, there is some concern that the President is preparing to engage in direct military operations. This weekend he cut short a summit at Camp David and rushed back to the White House.
The war between Ansar Allah and Saudi Arabia reignited after Riyadh broke a four-year ceasefire in July. Earlier this month, Ansar Allah launched a major offensive and seized Yemen’s Red Sea coastline from Saudi-backed forces. The conflict has further escalated over the past week as Saudi and Ansar Allah have targeted cities with several strikes.
