All US consular services in Saudi Arabia have been closed on Tuesday, March 3, after two drones struck the American Embassy in Riyadh, resulting in fire and minor damage to the building, which is now doused by the authorities. The US Embassy in Riyadh, in a statement issued today, said, "Consular Appointments Cancelled."
Further, the statement said all routine and emergency American Citizen Services appointments are cancelled. Earlier, the US Embassy in Riyadh issued shelter in place for Americans in the states of Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dhahran. Also Follow | US-Israel-Iran War LIVE Updates.
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"Avoid the Embassy until further notice due to an attack on the facility. We continue to limit non-essential travel to any military installations in the region," said the American Embassy in Riyadh.
Further in the statement, it said that the officials are monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia and urged travellers to review recent security alerts before making travel plans to Saudi Arabia. "We advise all U.S. citizens to maintain a personal safety plan. Crises can happen unexpectedly while travelling or living abroad, and a good plan helps you think through potential scenarios and determine in advance the best course of action."
Meanwhile, the US and Israel airstrikes intensifies into Tehran, killing several people, including school children. In retaliation, Iran struck with drones at several US army bases in the Middle East, including the Embassy in Riyadh, which caused fire and damage.
Iran has shut the crucial route of the Strait of Hormuz, promoting a surge in oil prices and warning of a blaze to the vessel crossing from that route. IRGC commander declared the strait was “closed” and that any vessel attempting to pass through would be set “ablaze”.