Americans warned again to rethink travel as missile attack rattles historic region

The State Department renewed its warning on Saturday to Americans who may be traveling in and through the Middle East as escalating regional tensions raise concerns among travelers.

The warning came as Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile toward Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over the weekend - which Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted.

Residents reported hearing an explosion and later seeing a plume of smoke near King Khalid International Airport, according to The Associated Press (AP). No casualties or damage from the attack were reported.

AMERICANS WARNED AGAINST TRAVEL PLANS AS TERRORISM THREATENS POPULAR DESTINATION

In an X post on Saturday, the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs warned that the security environment in the Middle East "remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation."

The agency added, "Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions."

Officials specifically cited hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis in its warning.

"Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports," the post said.

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"This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly. Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region."

The agency also advised those traveling to or from the region to monitor airport and airline operations, warning that U.S. diplomatic facilities have been targeted, including outside the Middle East.

"Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions," the post added.

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The alert comes as a periodic reminder from the State Department and does not signal a change in advisory status. 

The worldwide caution has been in place since February.

The latest warning follows a series of similar alerts from U.S. officials amid heightened tensions across the region.

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In June, U.S. officials similarly urged Americans across the Middle East to remain vigilant as tensions mounted across the region.

At the time, officials warned that airspace closures, demonstrations and threats to locations associated with the United States could disrupt travel with little notice.

The State Department also maintained its "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" advisory for Oman in an Aug. 30 update, warning of risks from armed conflict and terrorism, including the threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.