US Cuts Forces in Middle East, Withdraws Non-Essential Staff from Saudi Arabia

Amid escalating threats in the Middle East, the US State Department has ordered a reduction in the number of staff not connected to emergency missions, along with their families, in Saudi Arabia. The move came as some non-essential government personnel were also withdrawn.

NBC News reported, citing US officials, that the US military has in recent days reduced its presence in various parts of the Middle East. The State Department also said it had ordered a reduction in staff at some US diplomatic missions in the region.

However, a State Department spokesperson rejected a Reuters report that an order had been issued for the evacuation of staff from US embassies in other Gulf countries, stressing that the order applies only to non-essential staff in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, CNN, citing informed sources, reported that following threats made by the Houthi movement, US diplomatic missions in the Middle East are reducing their staffing levels.