The US State Department ordered nonemergency government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks on the country continue. A department spokesperson warned that hostilities could escalate rapidly beyond the immediate area. Separate reports said the US ordered families of embassy staff in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain to leave, following earlier reporting that a wider Gulf departure order was being prepared. Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted a drone targeting Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield on Wednesday; falling debris killed two people and injured two others. The developments underscore heightened security risks for US personnel in the region. Existing market activity has indicated greater perceived odds of further Houthi advances, with observers watching military activity around strategic locations including Aden, ceasefire diplomacy and statements from regional governments.