The United States has urged its citizens to reconsider travel to and through West Asia amid heightened regional tensions, warning of possible rapid escalation, flight disruptions and attacks targeting US interests, as Yemen’s Houthi fighters launched missile and drone attacks towards Saudi Arabia.

In a worldwide caution issued by the US State Department, Americans in West Asia were advised to exercise heightened vigilance and remain prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions. The department also warned that Iran and groups supportive of Tehran could target US interests, businesses and institutions overseas. For Saudi Arabia, the US State Department has maintained a Level 3 – Reconsider Travel advisory. The department cites the risk of Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans and local laws concerning social media activity.

The warning came as Saudi Arabia reported that a ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthis towards Riyadh was intercepted. The Saudi-led coalition also said the Houthis attempted to target civilian infrastructure in Bisha, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu.