U.S. Diplomats Ordered to Leave Saudi Arabia Amid Safety Risks

The U.S. State Department has directed non-essential diplomats and government employee family members to exit Saudi Arabia due to safety concerns. This move follows escalating tensions and the recent targeting of the U.S. embassy in Riyadh by Iranian drones, resulting in a facility fire.

The U.S. State Department announced on Sunday that it has ordered non-essential American diplomats and family members of U.S. government employees to evacuate Saudi Arabia, citing safety risks.

This directive comes as the United States commenced withdrawing non-essential staff from Gulf Arab countries last Monday, shortly after the onset of a regional conflict. The U.S. embassy in Riyadh sanctioned voluntary departures on Tuesday, coinciding with its facilities being hit by Iranian drone strikes, which caused a fire.

These developments underscore rising tensions in the region, prompting heightened precautions to ensure the safety of U.S. personnel abroad.

(With inputs from agencies.)