U.S. Citizens in Saudi Arabia Urged to Shelter in Place Amid Iranian Threats

The U.S. State Department has issued a warning for American citizens in Saudi Arabia, advising them to shelter in place due to potential threats from Iran. This advisory follows recent Iranian military actions and threats against U.S. interests in the region. The State Department's TravelGov account stated, “We are tracking reports of threats against locations where American citizens gather,” indicating that hotels, U.S. businesses, and educational institutions could be potential targets. U.S. government employees in Saudi Arabia have also been directed to remain sheltered until further notice.

The Hill

The tensions escalated after Iranian strikes targeted U.S. assets, including a recent attack on Prince Sultan Air Base, which resulted in injuries to ten U.S. service members and damage to a Boeing E-3 Sentry aircraft. Additionally, Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced intentions to target U.S. companies in the region, including major corporations like Microsoft, Google, and Apple, as retaliation for perceived aggressions against Iran. This announcement has further heightened fears among U.S. citizens and officials in Saudi Arabia.

The Jerusalem Post

The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh has emphasized the importance of safety, urging all Americans to remain vigilant and follow local authorities' instructions. The embassy has also recommended that U.S. citizens consider departing Saudi Arabia via commercial flights if it can be done safely, as Saudi airspace remains operational despite ongoing missile and drone threats. The State Department has reiterated that the safety and security of American citizens are of utmost priority.

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Saudi Arabia

While the U.S. government has taken steps to ensure the safety of its citizens, some critics argue that

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Saudi Arabia