US diplomatic officials in Saudi Arabia are warning American residents and visitors to be aware of a “heightened risk of missile and drone attacks” against targets in the kingdom.
In a statement posted to the website of the US embassy in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, the mission said, “US citizens living and working near military bases and oil and gas facilities and other critical civilian infrastructure, particularly in the Eastern Province and areas near the border with Yemen, are at heightened risk of attack.”
Additionally, US citizens were warned that while Saudi Arabia has a widespread system of civil defence sirens, missile or drone attacks may take place with little or no warning.
“The mission urges American citizens in the kingdom to immediately review precautions to take in the event of an attack,” the statement added.
#SaudiArabia: Heightened risk of missile/drone attacks, particularly in Eastern Province and near Yemeni border, near military bases and oil/gas facilities. In the past, actors hostile to Saudi Arabia conducted attacks against civilian/military targets. https://t.co/Tz4UwlZsXZ pic.twitter.com/0v6J9c2nL8
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) January 5, 2020
Among the guidelines given by the mission include taking cover in the event of a loud explosion or sirens, retreating to the lowest levels of buildings with fewest exterior walls and windows and seeking cover in a hardened structure whenever possible.
“Be aware that even if the incoming missile or drone is intercepted, falling debris represents a significant risk,” the statement added. “After the attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor major news outlets for official guidance.”
The warning comes as tensions are mounting between the United States and Iran, with some analysts warning that US allies in the region may be caught in the crossfire during any potential conflict between the two countries.
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