US evacuates some diplomats from Middle East amid escalation fears — CNN
Photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Getty Images)
The US is urgently evacuating some diplomats and their family members from countries in the Middle East amid fears of a possible escalation of the conflict in the region, according to CNN.
This week, the US State Department ordered the evacuation from Saudi Arabia of non-essential personnel, as well as all members of their families. According to officials, the order was issued in response to the escalation of the conflict by the Houthis.
At the same time, CNN sources say that the US is quietly adjusting staffing levels at a number of other embassies in the Middle East, including those in Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Lebanon.
"There’s a very Groundhog Day vibe," says a source in Amman, commenting on the request for some embassy staff to leave the Jordanian capital.
Many of those leaving had only recently returned after being evacuated at the height of the conflict with Iran. One diplomat stated that "to say it has been chaotic is an understatement."
These developments are also unfolding against the backdrop of statements by US President Donald Trump regarding the possibility of resuming strikes against Iran after the midterm elections, as well as reports from sources that Israel is lobbying for more decisive action—though so far without success.
Middle East conflict
On October 22, Yemeni Houthis launched a massive series of attacks on military facilities and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. In particular, the country's Ministry of Defense was targeted.
According to NBC News, US President Donald Trump may very soon launch a new phase of the war in the Middle East.
