image sourced from original article at American personnel at the United States diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia have been ordered to leave the country, according to current and former officials. The directive from the State Department marks the first such move during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The decision follows more than a week of strikes on the Iranian government and retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia has reported intercepting hostile drones, including aircraft aimed at areas near the United States embassy in Riyadh.
On Tuesday, two drones struck the embassy compound, causing a small fire and prompting its closure. American citizens in several Saudi cities were instructed to shelter in place, and diplomats had reportedly requested permission to depart. Nonessential staff and family members at other United States embassies, including in Israel, have also been authorized to leave if they choose.
