The United States has instructed non-emergency personnel at its embassies in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Cyprus to leave the countries immediately due to rising security threats amid ongoing regional tensions.
According to notices sent Wednesday by the U.S. Department of State, the decision follows heightened concerns over potential attacks targeting American diplomatic missions in the region.
In a statement issued to the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the State Department warned of possible continued threats after a recent attack near the U.S. diplomatic compound in Riyadh. “Following the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, the Department of State anticipates that similar incidents may continue,” the notice said, directing all non-essential staff to depart the country without delay.
Separate, shorter notices were also sent to U.S. embassies in Oman and Cyprus, citing general security concerns and ordering the immediate departure of non-emergency personnel.
The move comes after a series of drone attacks reported earlier this week. On Monday, a drone strike targeted a British air force base in Cyprus. On the same day, multiple drone attacks were reported at the southern port city of Duqm in Oman.
The situation underscores growing instability in parts of the Middle East, raising fears of further escalation and threats to diplomatic missions and foreign personnel in the region.
