The U.S. State Department has responded to escalating tensions in the region by announcing an evacuation order for some of its personnel in Saudi Arabia. Tommy Pigott, a spokesperson for the department, emphasized in a statement that this order only applies to those employees whose presence in Saudi Arabia is not essential, and it also includes their family members.
Rising Tensions and Military Operations
Pigott further added that military operations by Yemen are increasingly targeting Saudi Arabia. These operations include attacks on airports and severe disruptions to travel. These developments are particularly in response to the aggressive attacks by the Saudi military on Yemen, which primarily target civilian infrastructure.
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The spokesperson for the U.S. State Department also stressed the importance of the safety and security of the department's personnel and their families, stating, "We will continue to take all necessary measures to protect and support them."
Reduction of U.S. Military Presence in the Middle East
Meanwhile, according to two U.S. officials and two informed sources, the U.S. military has quietly reduced its presence at various bases in the Middle East. Additionally, the State Department has issued orders to further reduce the number of personnel at several diplomatic missions in the region.
A diplomatic source has also reported that, in addition to Saudi Arabia, similar orders for the evacuation of family members of U.S. embassy staff have been issued in the UAE, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain. This indicates increasing concerns about the safety of diplomats in these areas.
The evacuation order for diplomats from Saudi Arabia and the rising oil prices following new military operations by Yemen reflect the complexities in international relations and the security situation in the Middle East. Given recent developments, it remains to be seen whether these actions will lead to a change in U.S. policies in the region.
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