Embassy attack and threat of attacks: US urgently pulls diplomats out of Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has ordered some members of the US diplomatic mission to leave Saudi Arabia due to growing security risks. The New York Times reports this with reference to current and former American officials.

According to them, the diplomats were given mandatory instructions to leave the country amid the escalating situation in the region. This is the first such decision since the start of the war between the United States and Israel against Iran in late February.

Previously, some embassy staff and their families were allowed to leave the country voluntarily, but there was no mandatory order.

The new security measures were adopted after a series of attacks on the diplomatic quarter in Riyadh. According to the Saudi Defense Ministry, the building of the American Embassy and the surrounding area were attacked by two drones.

The strike caused a small fire and minor damage. After the incident, the embassy urged people to avoid the area and issued a warning to American citizens.

US citizens in Riyadh, as well as in the cities of Jeddah and Dhahran, where American consulates operate, were advised to stay in shelters.

According to the officials, consulate staff were also instructed to be prepared for possible mandatory departure from the country.

Tensions in the region have risen sharply since the US and Israeli air strikes on Iran. In response, Tehran launched missile attacks and drone launches against a number of Middle Eastern countries, in particular against the Gulf states where American military bases or the forces of Washington's allies are located

This has increased fears of further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

Recall that the week of war against Iran cost the US USD 6 billion, the White House will ask Congress for more funds.