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Thu 22 Oct 2026 EN
· · 2 sources ·Updated

US orders non-emergency staff and families to leave Gulf embassies

The US State Department ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to depart from embassies in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain on Wednesday.

Major hostilities brewing? US orders departure of some embassy staff, families from Gulf region
File photo Major hostilities brewing? US orders departure of some embassy staff, families from Gulf region Photo: The Hill

Evacuation order covers multiple nations

Three US officials told Reuters that the State Department is preparing to issue this departure order. The move reportedly follows concerns about a possible resumption of hostilities involving Houthi fighters in Yemen. A diplomatic source confirmed that all American staff and their families must leave Saudi Arabia immediately.

Families included in the directive

The evacuation instructions specifically include family members living with embassy personnel across the affected Gulf region. Sources indicate that staff from the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain are also receiving orders to leave. This action affects non-emergency government employees who do not hold critical security roles.

2 outlets, different leads

  • Middle East Eye

    US to order departure of embassy staff from Gulf countries, officials say

  • The Hill

    Major hostilities brewing? US orders departure of some embassy staff, families from Gulf region

Reported by

2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.

· · 6 sources ·Updated

US orders non-emergency staff and families to leave Saudi Arabia embassy

The US State Department ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to depart from its mission in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday amid escalating Houthi attacks.

Washington orders all US embassy staff, families to leave Saudi Arabia: diplomatic source
File photo Washington orders all US embassy staff, families to leave Saudi Arabia: diplomatic source Photo: Business Recorder

Departure order confirmed by officials

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that the evacuation applies specifically to non-emergency US government employees and their family members located in Saudi Arabia. He described the decision as a necessary step following increasing hostilities involving Iranian-supported Houthis who have targeted civilian airports and critical infrastructure. The spokesperson emphasized that the safety and security of department personnel remain the highest priority for the administration.

Regional context and conflicting reports

Diplomatic sources previously suggested that families might also be leaving missions in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain. Pigott characterized these broader reports as inaccurate while confirming the specific order for Saudi Arabia only. Recent attacks on civilian targets in Dammam and an oilfield have contributed to severe travel disruptions across the region.

Escalating hostilities drive evacuation

The kingdom has faced near-daily strikes from Houthi fighters over recent weeks, including a deadly attack on Riyadh's international airport. These incidents have resulted in civilian casualties and forced the US to take steps to protect its staff. The order comes after some diplomatic personnel had returned to the region following earlier withdrawals linked to the war with Iran.

All 6 outlets report consistently

No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.

  • Middle East Eye
  • Business Recorder
  • The Hill
  • South China Morning Post
  • The Guardian
  • ABC News Australia

Reported by

6 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.