Trump orders diplomats and troops out of Middle East as Houthi attacks rise
US officials say the pull‑out follows recent Houthi strikes on Saudi airports and an oil field, and comes as President Trump weighs a strike on Iran.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The US State Department has ordered diplomats and their families to depart from missions in Saudi Arabia and is planning further withdrawals from other Middle East posts, while US troops are being moved from bases in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait, according to NBC News and other outlets.
What happened
State Department officials told NBC News that non‑essential diplomatic staff and families were instructed to leave the US embassy in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, leaving only emergency personnel on site. The department also said similar reductions were being implemented at other regional posts. At the same time, a US official confirmed that troops stationed in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait have been ordered to relocate, with the Pentagon reportedly pulling American forces from bases across the region.
What the reports add
Independent.co.uk reported that the State Department’s order applies to missions in Saudi Arabia and that plans are being drawn for further withdrawals from other embassies. It added that the Pentagon is also pulling troops from regional bases. DailyMail.com provided additional detail, noting that the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia is now operating under an “ordered departure” status on social media, and quoted State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott’s X post about the safety of personnel.
What was said
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott posted on X, "Iranian‑supported Houthis have increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions," and added that the safety of department personnel and their families remains the highest priority. NBC News reported that officials presented President Trump with options for striking Iran, though no decision has been announced.
How it came about
The withdrawals follow a series of Houthi attacks that killed at least two people and injured eight at Dammam airport and killed two in a drone strike on an oil field on Wednesday. Earlier this month, Felo News reported on the US ordering diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks intensified (US orders diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks intensify). The move also follows a broader US military buildup announced on 2 Oct 2026, when President Trump sent roughly 9,000 troops and a third carrier to the region (Trump sends 9,000 troops and third carrier to Middle East amid Iran threat).
Key facts
- The State Department ordered non‑essential diplomats and families to leave the US embassy in Saudi Arabia. (independent.co.uk)
- US troops stationed in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait have been ordered to relocate. (dailymail.co.uk)
- The withdrawals follow recent Houthi attacks that killed at least two people at Dammam airport and two in a drone strike on an oil field. (independent.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2026-10-02 — Trump sends roughly 9,000 troops and a third carrier to the Middle East amid Iran threat.
- 2026-10-21 — US orders diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks intensify.
- 2026-10-22 — State Department orders diplomats to depart and troops to move from Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk
- [2] dailymail.co.uk
