U.S. Cuts Troops and Diplomatic Staff Across Middle East as Houthi Threats Escalate
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Oct 21
U.S. Cuts Troops and Diplomatic Staff Across Middle East as Houthi Threats Escalate
3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Oct 21
Summary
U.S. officials said the military has quietly reduced troop levels at bases across the Middle East in recent days, while the State Department ordered further staff cuts at multiple diplomatic posts.
Those moves widen a pullback already underway in Saudi Arabia, where Washington earlier ordered non-emergency personnel and their families to leave amid intensifying Houthi missile and drone attacks.
The security backdrop has worsened quickly: Houthi strikes more than doubled in one week, and an Oct. 8 attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport caused civilian casualties and disrupted travel.
The broader retrenchment comes as the Trump administration weighs direct military action against the Iran-backed Houthis and regional allies seek stronger air defenses.