In the midst of escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia by the Iran-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen, the US State Department ordered the withdrawal of non-essential employees and family members from its embassy in Riyadh.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott wrote on X, "The U.S. Department of State issued an ordered departure for non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia. Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions."

A source told CNN that while the State Department is reducing its presence in Saudi Arabia due to growing threats, a few other US diplomatic locations in the area are also making staffing adjustments in reaction to the Houthi threat.

A State Department official stated, "This is about the Houthis."

Additionally, the State Department issued a security advisory on Wednesday alerting Americans to the possibility of airport assaults and general impediments to travel. Following a string of deadly Houthi attacks in recent weeks that targeted Saudi military installations, oil infrastructure, marine traffic, and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the message was sent to Americans.

According to the advisory, "U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization from the Chief of Mission to use any airport in Saudi Arabia following recent missile and UAV attacks on airports in the Kingdom."

While Saudi air power continues to provide military cover, Saudi-backed forces aligned with Yemen's internationally recognized government have extended operations against Houthi positions across various frontlines.

Saudi Arabia reported on Wednesday that it has intercepted at least seven drones, one of which was aimed at the Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province of the country. The attack resulted in the deaths of two foreign workers and the injuries of two more.

According to Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority, an attack on the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, in the east of the kingdom, on Wednesday nite resulted in two fatalities and eight injuries. According to the authorities, one Indian national was among the dead. Additionally, there was damage to the airport, the extent of which is still being determined.

By increasing intelligence and providing targeted assistance, the US has increased its military support for the monarchy. However, Saudi Arabia has been requesting additional offensive assistance from the US, and thus far, President Donald Trump has chosen not to attack the Houthis.

Trump was evasive about potential US strikes earlier this month, telling reporters that the Houthi attacks were "not acceptable" and that the US "will look at" whether to join the Saudis.Other allies have also increased their assistance as Saudi Arabia is increasingly being attacked. The United Kingdom announced on Tuesday that it would use fighter jets to protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks. In recent days, Egypt has also promised to provide "all necessary and possible forms of support.