State Department says staff departure order covers only Saudi Arabia

The short version

• The State Department ordered non-emergency U.S. government staff and families in Saudi Arabia to depart.[Fox News]
• Officials say the order does not apply to the wider Gulf region and call broader claims inaccurate.[Fox News]
• Officials also called initial reports of a sweeping embassy removal across several Middle Eastern countries inaccurate.[The Washington Sun]
• Reporting does not yet specify how long the Saudi drawdown will last.[Fox News]

Key facts

• The State Department issued an ordered departure for non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia.[Fox News]
• State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott called broader regional claims inaccurate and confirmed a targeted drawdown in Saudi Arabia.[Fox News]
• State Department officials called initial reports of a sweeping removal order covering several Middle Eastern countries inaccurate.[The Washington Sun]
• The State Department renewed its warning to Americans traveling in the Middle East in late September.[Fox News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Travelers to hot spot sternly warned by State Department as officials deny wider Gulf shutdownFox News
• State Department Recalls Diplomatic Staff in Saudi ArabiaThe Washington Sun