WASHINGTON — The United States has warned that the security situation in the Middle East could deteriorate rapidly after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement launched a ballistic missile toward Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh. The warning came as U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly ended his weekend stay at Camp David and returned to the White House a day earlier than scheduled. AAFP+1
The White House has not given a reason for Trump’s early return. His decision came shortly after Saudi authorities reported intercepting a Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh, while explosions and smoke were reported near the Saudi capital’s main airport. AAFP+1
The U.S. State Department issued a fresh security warning for Americans in the Middle East, urging those already in the region to exercise heightened vigilance. Americans outside the region were advised to seriously reconsider travel to and through the Middle East because of the possibility of a rapid escalation in hostilities. AAFP
Houthi attacks target Saudi Arabia
The Houthis claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks against what they described as sensitive sites in Riyadh. The group also said it targeted an Aramco facility in Yanbu, a major Saudi oil-export hub on the Red Sea. Saudi authorities said their air defenses intercepted the missile headed toward Riyadh and thwarted other attacks. RReuters+1
The attack represents a significant escalation in the renewed conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. The fighting intensified after a period of relative calm, with Saudi Arabia carrying out airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen in support of Yemeni government forces. AAFP
Travel and security concerns
U.S. diplomatic missions across the region have also issued security alerts, warning Americans to remain prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions.
The State Department already lists Saudi Arabia under a Level 3 — Reconsider Travel advisory, citing risks including armed conflict and missile and drone threats.
The latest warning comes amid broader concerns that continued Saudi-Houthi hostilities could draw in additional regional actors and disrupt critical energy and shipping routes.
For now, the White House has not publicly linked Trump’s early departure from Camp David directly to the latest attacks, leaving the reason for the schedule change officially unexplained. TThe Times of Israel
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