US issues security alert across 12 Middle East countries over Houthi threat

The United States has issued coordinated security alerts across 12 Middle East countries—Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Yemen, and Iran—warning of potential attacks on American interests amid escalating Houthi military operations. US embassies issued identical messages on Sunday and Monday, advising citizens to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings, monitor official updates, and prepare for possible travel disruptions including airspace closures and flight cancellations.

The alerts specifically cite risks from Iranian-backed Houthi militants, who have intensified attacks against Saudi Arabia in recent months. In mid-October, a Houthi attack on Riyadh's main international airport killed 13 people, including an American citizen. The State Department assessed that Houthi attacks pose a "broad, escalating threat" to Americans across the region, with the potential for hostilities to "escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area." Warnings state that Iran and Iranian-aligned groups may target US businesses, institutions, and other American interests worldwide.

The alerts reflect growing concern within the Trump administration about Saudi Arabia's inability to defend against sustained missile and drone strikes on energy and aviation infrastructure. While the US has provided Saudi Arabia with targeting assistance and intelligence support, the administration has declined to order direct military intervention, citing concerns about opening a second front in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has struggled to contain Houthi attacks despite significant military operations by a Saudi-led coalition since 2015.

Practical measures advised include confirming flight status directly with airlines and airports, avoiding areas with heavy police presence, and registering with the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Qatar Airways suspended flights to Riyadh and Dammam until 24 October and reduced Jeddah flights from seven to four daily. Saudi Arabia postponed its major annual investment conference, commonly referred to as "Davos in the Desert," citing the security environment.

The Houthis, a Shiite political and military organization, took control of Yemen's capital Sanaa in 2014 and have been engaged in civil war with Saudi-backed forces since the Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015. A UN-brokered truce in 2022 provided relative calm until mid-2026, when the Houthis resumed attacks against Saudi Arabia in July.