The United States has issued an order for the evacuation of non-essential embassy staff and their families from Saudi Arabia. This decision follows the rise in deadly attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen against Saudi Arabia and was announced on Wednesday by the country's State Department.
Reasons for the Decision
Tammy Pigott, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated in a statement: "Iran-backed Houthis have increasingly conducted attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilian airports and critical infrastructure, resulting in casualties and severe travel disruptions." She also emphasized that "the safety and security of State Department personnel and their families is always a top priority."
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New Wave of Houthi Attacks
Saudi Arabia has witnessed nearly daily attacks from Iran-backed Houthis this month, including an attack on Riyadh International Airport, which was one of the deadliest attacks in recent years. On Wednesday, the Saudi Ministry of Energy announced that the debris of a drone targeting an oil facility had fallen, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to two others.
The ministry stated: "The attack resulted in the deaths of two individuals, one from the Philippines and the other from Nepal, and injuries to two others." However, it did not specify who launched the drone towards the Shaybah oil field near the United Arab Emirates border. On the same day, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen reported the destruction of six drones.
In an attack on Dammam Airport in eastern Saudi Arabia, one person was killed and eight others were injured. Last June, a four-year ceasefire in the Yemeni civil war ended, leading to a resurgence of conflict dating back to 2014. The Saudi-led coalition has supported the internationally recognized government since 2015.
The United States had previously ordered the evacuation of its non-essential personnel from the Gulf, particularly ahead of the onset of war against Iran in late February and again in July, before former U.S. President Donald Trump initiated a new wave of attacks.
In related events, Iranian state media reported hearing explosions in Hormozgan Province, overlooking the Strait of Hormuz. The official news agency IRNA stated: "Minutes ago, the sound of several explosions was heard in the Karpan area of Sirik County in Hormozgan Province."
The news agency added that "local sources have not yet provided information about the nature of these explosions." In late February, the United States and Israel conducted attacks on Iran that resulted in the deaths of the country's top leader and several senior military commanders.
Iran has also attempted to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, demanding that all ships obtain permission to pass through it. In peacetime, this strategic waterway carries about one-fifth of the world's oil supply. In retaliation, the United States has imposed restrictions on Iranian ports and vessels.
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