US warns citizens in West Asia of potential Iran-linked attacks, travel disruptions

US missions across West Asia have issued a security alert advising American citizens to “exercise heightened vigilance” amid concerns over Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and the possibility of Iran and its allied groups targeting US interests.

“Be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions,” the advisory said, warning that “the hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.”

It also cautioned that “Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including US businesses and other institutions.”

The advisory comes amid heightened security concerns following drone and missile attacks by Yemen's Houthis on Saudi Arabia. A deadly strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on October 10 killed 13 people, including an Indian national.

The US considers the Houthis a key Iranian-backed armed group within Tehran’s regional network. Iran provides the group with weapons, funding and training, although the rebels retain considerable operational autonomy.

US citizens travelling to or from West Asia were advised to monitor updates on airport and airline operations and prepare contingency plans. The US embassy in Jerusalem also issued a list of “actions to be taken” and details of possible emergency assistance.

Fighting in Yemen has escalated sharply in October following the collapse of a multi-year informal cease-fire, with the Houthis launching major cross-border drone and missile strikes deep into Saudi Arabia.

Yemen’s civil war began in 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and forced the internationally recognised government to relocate to Aden. Saudi Arabia led a military coalition into Yemen in March 2015 to support the government and push back against the Houthis, triggering years of fighting and airstrikes.

A UN-brokered truce in 2022 brought a period of relative calm, followed by Saudi-Houthi talks aimed at securing a lasting settlement. However, the ceasefire was never formalised into a comprehensive peace agreement.

The renewed Houthi escalation against Saudi Arabia adds another regional dimension to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, raising concerns that hostilities could spread beyond the immediate confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

The conflict between the US and Iran, which began in February, remains locked in a military and diplomatic stalemate following the collapse of a June agreement. Iran continues to restrict shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while the US maintains its naval port blockade on Tehran.