US Citizens Advised of Missile Attack Risks in Saudi Arabia
The United States has released its latest advisory urging its citizens to “reconsider travel” to Saudi Arabia. This travel warning was issued after Riyadh issued alerts regarding potential attacks in the Mecca area and other regions bordering Yemen.
Saudi Arabia accused the Houthi group of targeting the Muslim holy city, Mecca, on Tuesday (15/9), after a drone believed to belong to the group was shot down before reaching the sacred city.
The Houthis, based in Yemen and allied with Iran, quickly dismissed the Saudi allegations. However, Brigadier General Turki al-Malki, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, has asserted that retaliation will be carried out against the Houthi attacks.
The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia, as reported by AFP on Wednesday (16/9/2026), released the latest advisory on Tuesday (15/9) local time, warning US citizens of the “risk of drone and missile attacks” targeting American interests in the country.
“Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the risk of Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activities,” stated the US Embassy advisory.
“Do not travel to the Yemen border due to the threat of terrorism,” the US Embassy added in its advisory.
The war raging between the US and Iran is expanding further into other parts of the Middle East, with the Yemen conflict reigniting since last July. The Houthis have returned to fierce fighting with Yemeni government forces, which are supported by Saudi Arabia.
The latest battles have also drawn Riyadh into the conflict. The Houthis have announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and have targeted Saudi vessels in attacks in the Red Sea. Houthi forces have also launched a series of attacks against Saudi territory in recent times.
The group has claimed responsibility for launching large-scale operations involving missiles and drones targeting the King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait. The Houthis have even threatened to expand the scope of their attacks deep into Saudi territory.