US raises Saudi travel warning after Riyadh drone attack

The US State Department and the American embassy in Saudi Arabia issued an unusual and immediate update to the official travel advisory for the kingdom, raising it to Level 3 ("Reconsider Travel"). Border areas with Yemen were designated at the highest risk level: Level 4 — "Do Not Travel".

The heightened warning comes amid growing risk of direct strikes on American interests and foreign nationals. Since the outbreak of direct confrontations between the US and Iran on 28 February 2026, Saudi Arabia has become a regular target for drone and missile attacks from Tehran and the Houthis in Yemen. The weapons are launched systematically at major cities, bases, energy facilities, and even diplomatic installations.

A severe drone attack occurred on 10 October against Riyadh's main airport (King Khalid), which led to an emergency directive for American citizens to avoid the site. The Houthis also issued explicit threats to strike all airports in the kingdom, except Mecca and Medina.

According to reports, the attack left 12 dead and 309 wounded. Among the dead was one American citizen, four Saudi citizens, and eight additional foreign nationals from various countries. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the death of the American citizen and issued a sharp condemnation of the attack.

Battle scene in the heart of the airport: the difficult footage from Saudi Arabia (Photo: social media)

Alongside the military threat and the dangerous fall of interception debris, the warning also highlights severe legal risks: exit bans and exceptionally strict laws against foreign nationals, under which social-media posts, even those written outside Saudi borders, can lead to lengthy prison sentences of up to 45 years.

In the wake of the events, severe movement restrictions have been imposed on US government employees, who now require special approval for any flight, and a blanket ban on approaching border areas. Washington's message to tourists, businesspeople, and pilgrims is clear: reconsider whether your arrival in the wealthy and embattled kingdom is truly necessary at this time.

Prime Minister Netanyahu sent an unusual message of condolence to the families of the victims in the Riyadh attack, an extraordinary move toward a country that does not maintain relations with Israel. In his message, Netanyahu noted that "Israel stands with Saudi Arabia in this difficult time".

On the other hand, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman moves between heavily secured palaces equipped with bunkers, and is protected by a carefully selected personal security team. His last public appearance was on Tuesday, when he participated in a national blood-donation drive.