U.S. Embassy in Jordan warns of rapid regional escalation after Houthi attacks on Saudi airports and critical infrastructure cause civilian casualties
The U.S. Embassy in Amman has urged Americans across the Middle East to exercise heightened vigilance, warning that the security situation could escalate rapidly after Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia struck civilian airports and other critical infrastructure and caused casualties. The embassy also warned of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions, and said Iran and groups supportive of Tehran could target U.S. interests and locations associated with Americans overseas.
In a security alert issued October 8, the embassy advised Americans traveling to or from the region to closely monitor airport and airline operations and check flight status directly with carriers. It also urged U.S. citizens in Jordan to follow local government warnings, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, remain alert around locations publicly associated with the United States and keep a low profile.
The embassy remains open for routine American citizen and visa services. It also advised people to stay away from windows and fallen debris during any aerial attack, keep mobile phones charged and follow instructions from Jordanian authorities.
The warning follows a new round of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Saudi authorities said three people were killed in two attacks on the airport Thursday, while Saudia confirmed that one of its pilots was among the dead and that one of its aircraft was damaged while parked on the ground.
The United States has issued repeated security alerts during the Iran war as missile and drone attacks have affected civilian aviation and infrastructure across the region. A State Department worldwide caution issued in July similarly warned that Iran and groups supportive of Tehran could target U.S. diplomatic facilities, businesses and other American-linked locations overseas.
