The US embassy in Riyadh has instructed American nationals to exercise heightened vigilance amid Houthi attacks on King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital.

“The Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including against civilian airports, and the military conflict has the potential to escalate. US citizens should be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions,” an advisory reads.

US nationals have been urged against traveling near Saudi Arabia’s border with Yemen, and to directly confirm flight departure status with the airline and the airport.

“US government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks and need special authorisation for travel to the provinces of Jizan, Asir, Najran, and the cities of Qatif, Yanbu, and Taif,” the advisory reads.

It further adds that US government employees now require special authorisation to use Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.