US warns Americans over Middle East travel amid Houthi attacks

The US Department of State has warned Americans in the Middle East to exercise heightened vigilance amid escalating regional tensions, citing the possibility of rapid escalation, flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions.

In a security alert, the State Department said Iran-backed Houthi rebels had engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks involving civilian airports. It urged Americans outside the Middle East to seriously reconsider travel to and through the region and advised those travelling to monitor airport and airline operations. Travel advisory by US

The warning came after Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed on Saturday that they had launched missiles and drones at "sensitive" sites in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh. Flames and a large plume of black smoke were seen near the city's airport, while Saudi authorities had issued alerts warning residents of a possible aerial attack.

Saudi Arabia's military coalition said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a missile fired towards Riyadh. Authorities later issued an all-clear. Reuters reported that the Houthis claimed the attacks were carried out against targets in the Saudi capital, while Saudi officials said the missile targeting Riyadh had been intercepted.