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Ahmad al-Sharaa  ·  2026-09-20 00:00

Washington warns of regional escalation, possible Middle East airspace closures

Washington, Sept. 20 (SANA)TheU.S. State Departmenton Sunday warned of possiblemilitary escalationand airspace disruptions across theMiddle Eastamid renewed regional tensions following attacks by theHouthi militiaagainstSaudi Arabia.

In a statement posted on the platform X, the department said the Houthi militia had carried out “hostile actions against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including targeting civilian airports,” warning that the conflict could escalate rapidly.

The department said the security situation in the Middle East remained complex due to ongoing tensions, urging U.S. citizens in the region to exercise caution and prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions.

It also advised Americans outside the region to reconsider travel to or through the Middle East and encouraged travelers to monitor updates from airports and airlines.

The statement said U.S. diplomatic facilities, including those outside the Middle East, had been targeted, warning that Iran and groups supporting it could potentially target additional U.S. interests and locations linked to American citizens and businesses abroad.

Saudi Arabia has reported repeated attacks by Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Yemen. On Saturday, Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Brig. Gen. Turki Al-Malki said the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthi militia toward Riyadh and thwarted attempts targeting other Saudi cities.