U.S. orders personnel to flee Saudi Arabia amid deadly attacks
Washington, Oct. 2026 – The U.S. State Department on Wednesday ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia amid ongoing missile and drone attacks in the country.
The order comes just one week out from Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s scheduled boxing match in the region, and two weeks before WWE’s scheduled Crown Jewel event, both of which are set to be held in Riyadh.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed the order Wednesday following a series of deadly attacks by Houthi rebels targeting airports and other infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, which have claimed the lives of at least 20 people and injured at least 370.
The U.S. Department of State issued an ordered departure for non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia only.
Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.
U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia said: “the safety and security of Department personnel and their families remain our highest priority, and we will continue to take all necessary steps to protect and support them,” said in a security alert on Oct. 21, 2026.
Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.
The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia also warned that the fighting in the country could escalate rapidly.
The developments come just 10 days before Alvarez is scheduled to face Christian Mbilli in Riyadh in a WBC super-middleweight world title fight on Oct. 31.
The Mexican boxing superstar previously indicated that he intends to proceed with the fight despite the security concerns, although those sentiments came before Wednesday’s order.
