The U.S. State Department has ordered non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave American diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia amid growing concerns about renewed attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen.

The decision comes as Houthi forces have increasingly targeted Saudi civilian infrastructure, including airports and other critical facilities, raising concerns about the safety of American personnel and the potential for further escalation across the Middle East.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed Wednesday that the order applies specifically to Saudi Arabia, pushing back against earlier reports that Washington was preparing a broader mandatory departure from embassies throughout the Gulf.

“This is inaccurate,” Pigott said in response to reports of a regionwide withdrawal. He clarified that the department had ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia only.

The announcement followed a security alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh warning Americans about the possibility of additional Houthi attacks. The embassy said the group’s recent strikes against Saudi Arabia had caused civilian casualties and significant travel disruptions.

Saudi Arabia has faced a renewed wave of attacks involving missiles and drones. The threats have affected critical infrastructure, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which experienced a prolonged shutdown following an October attack. Other airports have also faced flight disruptions and cancellations.

The Houthi movement, which is backed by Iran, has been involved in years of conflict in Yemen and has repeatedly targeted Saudi Arabia. The latest attacks have intensified concerns that fighting could expand further and threaten American personnel and facilities throughout the region.

The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh and a CIA station located there were also targeted by drones in early March, when Iran began launching attacks against U.S. facilities following the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. The renewed security concerns come after some American diplomatic personnel had returned to the region in recent months.

Although the departure order is limited to Saudi Arabia, American diplomatic missions elsewhere in the Gulf are operating under security restrictions. Officials have indicated that staffing arrangements may be adjusted as necessary to protect personnel and their families.

The developments underscore the continuing security risks facing American diplomatic operations in the Middle East. For now, the State Department has confirmed a mandatory departure for designated personnel in Saudi Arabia, rather than a regionwide evacuation of U.S. embassy staff.