Kumar Bahukhandi
A US Navy aircraft operates on an aircraft carrier’s flight deck at night in this file photograph, used to illustrate reports of heightened threats to American diplomats in West Asia. Photo: channel24india.com via X.com
An intelligence memo sent to Marco Rubio reportedly warns of advanced plots against US personnel, amid concerns over expanding Houthi attacks.
Key Highlights
- Axios reports increased Iranian efforts to target American diplomats and officials.
- An intelligence memo addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns that suspected plots have progressed.
- US officials fear Houthi attacks could spread beyond Saudi Arabia.
- Washington has ordered non-emergency personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia.
Washington DC: US intelligence has warned of increased Iranian efforts to target American diplomats and officials in West Asia and elsewhere, according to reports citing an intelligence memo addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Axios first reported the warning, while the Associated Press also obtained the document.
Intelligence Memo Flags Threats
The memo, dated 23 October, reportedly warns that suspected lethal operations against American personnel have reached “advanced stages”. The assessment raises concerns about the security of US officials serving overseas.
According to Anadolu’s account of the Axios report, the intelligence chief also urged wider circulation of the threat information among American personnel, indicating that the warning was relevant to more officials than were currently authorised to receive it.
Concerns Over Wider Houthi Attacks
US officials are also concerned that Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels could extend their attacks beyond Saudi Arabia to other countries in the region, potentially widening the security threat facing American diplomatic missions.
Personnel Ordered to Leave Saudi Arabia
The US State Department has ordered non-emergency American government personnel and their family members to depart Saudi Arabia. Washington is also reducing staffing at its embassies in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, although those missions remain open and personnel there are not subject to mandatory departure orders.
