The Trump administration ordered all non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families to evacuate Saudi Arabia as Iran-backed Houthi attacks killed at least 13 people at a major airport and struck civilian targets across the kingdom, raising the possibility of direct American military intervention.
Deadly Strike Forces Emergency Evacuation
The State Department issued the mandatory departure order as Houthi missile and drone strikes more than doubled in a single week this month. The deadliest attack hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killing at least 13 people and wounding over 300. Airports in Jizan, Najran, Dammam and Abha also came under fire since October 5, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project.
State Department officials cited increasing hostilities by Iranian-supported Houthis against civilian airports and critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The evacuation order applies only to Saudi Arabia and covers family members of government personnel stationed in the kingdom.
Trump Weighs Direct Military Action
President Donald Trump told reporters the United States may launch direct military strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. When asked if America would join Saudi strikes against the group, Trump responded the administration would look at it and make a decision quickly. The U.S. previously conducted a two-month bombing campaign against Houthi targets in 2025 before Trump halted operations following an Oman-brokered agreement.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Saudi Arabia, Israel and other nations have requested interceptor missiles to defend against the attacks. Rubio described interceptors as probably the most in-demand product in the defense field right now, noting the United States must balance ally requests against its own military requirements amid strained global supplies.
Allies Rush Defenses to Kingdom
Britain announced deployment of Typhoon fighter jets to help defend Saudi cities and critical infrastructure. Egypt is providing military assistance while Israel offered support to protect the kingdom. Saudi Arabia asked Washington for additional missile interceptors, though U.S. officials warned that worldwide demand is stretching available supplies thin.
A research fellow at Chatham House explained that Saudi Arabia faces enormous costs defending its vast territory against relatively inexpensive Houthi missiles and drones. The expert noted that a small nonstate actor can pose serious challenges to even sophisticated and extremely expensive militaries, allowing the Houthis to impose significant costs without spending much themselves. The expanding campaign increasingly threatens Saudi cities, airports and energy infrastructure across the kingdom.