The United States Department of State has ordered non-emergency government employees and their family members to depart from its mission in Saudi Arabia, citing an increase in attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.

The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows a pattern of escalating hostilities by the Houthis against the kingdom, which have included strikes on civilian infrastructure and airports, resulting in casualties and travel disruptions.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated on Wednesday that the "safety and security of Department personnel and their families remain our highest priority." He emphasized that the department "will continue to take all necessary steps to protect and support them." Pigott also clarified that an earlier media report suggesting broader departures from US embassies across the Gulf was inaccurate.

While the immediate order applies to Saudi Arabia, four US officials informed Reuters that family members at US missions in other Gulf states are also expected to be directed to leave. These withdrawals occur after some diplomatic personnel had been returned to the region recently, following earlier evacuations prompted by Iran's attacks on US facilities in late February.

The latest movement by the US indicates a response to the significant escalation of fighting, particularly in Yemen, which has opened a new front in a wider regional conflict. This ongoing conflict has had a considerable impact on global energy trade and has adversely affected the economies of Gulf nations.

Earlier on Wednesday, the US embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert warning of potential further Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. This warning followed recent deadly strikes, including an attack on Riyadh's airport.

The US embassy and a CIA station located in Riyadh were themselves targeted by drones in early March, a period that coincided with Iran's commencement of regional attacks.

The situation highlights the persistent security challenges in the region, with the US taking precautionary measures to safeguard its personnel and assets in response to direct threats from Houthi actions.