US embassy in Jordan issues security alert over Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

The US Embassy in Amman issued a security alert urging Americans in the Middle East to exercise heightened vigilance due to what it called the “complex security environment and risks of rapid escalation”.

The alert highlights hostilities by Iranian-supported Houthis against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure that have caused civilian casualties, as confirmed by Saudi authorities.

Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Amman – October 8, 2026 Event: Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance due to the complex security environment. Be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Check your flight’s departure status with the airline directly or through: · Amman: https://t.co/dZXWg0U5ga Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly. Americans traveling to or from the Middle East should monitor information about airport and airline operations. 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. We remind U.S. citizens that Iran has attacked civilian and critical infrastructure across the Middle East, including hotels, airports, and other civilian locations. U.S. citizens should continue to monitor information from the Jordanian government about specific threats and follow instructions, including sirens and other warnings. Please also monitor all U.S. embassy travel advisories and guidance. Operational Status: The U.S. embassy remains open for routine American citizens and visa services. Actions to Take: · Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy to contact you in an emergency. · Please visit Jordan’s National Center for Security and Crisis Management website for public safety guidelines, including explanations of emergency sirens in Jordan. · If an aerial attack occurs, stay away from glass doors, windows, and any fallen debris, and monitor your phone and news outlets for official guidance. · Keep your cell phone charged and pre-programmed with the emergency numbers listed below. · Be aware of your surroundings. · Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings. · Avoid all areas where there is a heavy police presence. · Monitor local media. · Follow the instructions of local authorities. · Contact your airline directly for flight change details if your flight is affected. · Exercise caution and stay alert at locations publicly associated with the United States. · Keep a low profile. Assistance: U.S. Embassy – Amman, Jordan Al-Umawyeen 37, Amman, Jordan Phone number (emergencies during business hours): +962 6 590-6000 Phone number (emergencies after business hours): +962 6 590-6500 Email: [email protected] U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or 1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada).

— U.S. Embassy Amman (@USEmbassyJordan) October 9, 2026

It warns of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions, and notes that Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target US interests overseas, including businesses and institutions.

Houthi strikes on Saudi airports included Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which left three people dead and dozens wounded.

Saudi authorities and the Saudi-led coalition have reported civilian casualties and vowed responses, amid ongoing fighting in Yemen.

These incidents form part of a broader escalation that intensified in September 2026, with Houthi advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and repeated cross-border attacks on Saudi energy and civilian sites.

The developments occur against the backdrop of wider regional tensions involving Iran.

The US Embassy in Amman remains open for routine American citizen and visa services.

Officials advise US citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), monitor Jordanian government guidance and local media, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, check flight status directly with airlines, stay alert at locations associated with the United States, and keep a low profile.