Americans are being urged to avoid Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport (RUH) following a string of deadly attacks on the Saudi Arabian travel hub.
News outlets such as Reuters and the Associated Press have reported multiple deaths and other injuries following missile and drone strikes by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The attacks have even damaged passenger terminals and aircraft at RUH.
"The U.S. Mission is aware of attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10 and strongly recommends all U.S. citizens avoid this airport and surrounding areas," the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Saudi Arabia said in a statement issued Saturday.
"U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization to use the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh," officials added. "U.S. citizens should be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. We recommend checking your flight departure status directly with the airline and with the airport."
According to flight-tracking website FlightAware.com, more than 300 flights at RUH have been canceled on Saturday, with about 20 percent of the airport's schedule being delayed.
Currently, the U.S. State Department advises Americans to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the "risk of Iranian drone and missile targeting of American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity."
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