US issues Middle East travel alert amid Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

WASHINGTON

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The United States urged Americans to seriously reconsider travel to the Middle East on Sept. 19.

The State Department cited a complex security environment and potential for rapid escalation.

Travelers must prepare for possible flight cancellations and airspace closures.

Iranian-supported Houthis recently engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia.

The attacks targeted civilian infrastructure and airports.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Gulf Cooperation Council head Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi strongly condemned the Houthi militia's attacks.

The strikes pose a severe threat to regional peace and security, the officials warned in New York.

The U.S. State Department noted the conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly.

Iran and supporting groups may target U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with Americans worldwide.