US expands travel warnings to 13 Middle East nations amid Houthi attacks
The United States issued new travel advisories for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Syria, Yemen and Israel, citing terrorism and the risk of drone or missile strikes linked to Houthi actions.
The US State Department has broadened its travel warnings to include thirteen Middle Eastern countries, urging Americans to avoid travel due to terrorism concerns and the danger of drone or missile attacks targeting US interests, particularly by Iran-supported Houthi militants. Recent Houthi strikes on Saudi airports in Riyadh, Dammam, Najran and Jazan have disrupted flights and resulted in deaths and injuries, prompting the advisories.
A State Department spokesperson clarified that the warnings reflect recent attacks rather than a sudden increase in Houthi capability. The latest assault on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam killed two people and injured eight, according to Saudi civil aviation officials. The advisories arrive amid escalating US-Iran tensions, with President Donald Trump suggesting another possible military operation if diplomatic progress stalls. Iranian officials, including Maj Gen Mohsen Rezaei, have warned of broader retaliation against regional infrastructure if attacked.
Why it matters
Travelers face heightened danger in the region as US warnings highlight expanding Houthi threats and rising US-Iran tensions.
How this story developed
- Oct 19 U.S. Issues Travel Warning as Missile and Drone Strikes Hit Saudi Airports
- Oct 20 During an unannounced trip, US Defense Secretary Χέγκσεθ met Israeli Prime Minister Νετανιάχου at an air base in the southern desert. Israeli officials declined to detail the discussion, while the US Defense Department offered no comment. The encounter occurred as friction between the United States and Iran intensifies, and regional militant activity escalates.
- Oct 21 Pete Hegseth’s visit, initially unreported, has now been confirmed.
- Oct 21 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared a more extensive attack on Iran for Oct. 10, but President Donald Trump opposed the plan ahead of the U.S. midterms.
- Oct 21 US removed non‑essential embassy personnel from Saudi Arabia.
- Oct 22 Relatives of diplomatic staff in other Gulf countries may also be asked to leave.
- Oct 23 Netanyahu announced plans for a larger strike on Iran.
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