The United States has said it would allow its non-essential diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia due to increased security concerns and advised US citizens in the country to consider leaving.
"Due to security concerns, the Department of State has authorised the departure of family members and non-emergency employees of the US embassy and consulates (in Saudi Arabia) on a voluntary basis," the department said on Wednesday. "Private American citizens should evaluate their own security situations and should consider departing the country," it said in a travel warning that replaced an existing alert issued just nine days earlier.
| "Otherwise, please make an appointment at your earliest convenience to update next of kin information and organ donor cards." |
"The US government continues to receive indications of terrorist threats aimed at American and Western interests, including the targeting of transportation and civil aviation," the department said. |