Trump returns to WH after cutting his trip short, as US issues security alerts for Middle East

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Saturday evening, September 19, returned to Washington, DC, after cutting short his weekend trip to Camp David by a day, as the State Department issued a new security alert warning Americans about the escalating security risks in the Middle East. 

The department urged Americans in the region to exercise heightened vigilance and advised those outside the region to seriously reconsider travel to and through the area.

The warning was issued after Iran-backed militia forces launched missile and drone attacks towards Saudi Arabia.

Trump returns to Washington as State Department issues warning

Trump was originally scheduled to leave Camp David on Sunday, September 20, but returned to Washington a day earlier on Saturday evening.

He landed at the Ellipse shortly before 8 pm, according to a White House pool report, after departing Marine One.

The White House did not immediately provide an explanation for the president’s decision to return a day earlier than planned.

However, the return is concerning as it comes at the same time as the State Department issues a new security alert concerning the Middle East.

The department said the region’s security environment remained “complex” and warned that conditions could change quickly.

“Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance,” the State Department said in a post on X.

The department also warned that the conflict could lead to flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions.

Americans outside the region were advised to reconsider travel plans, while those traveling to or from the Middle East were urged to monitor airport and airline operations.

“This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly,” the department's advisory said.

“Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region.

Those who do travel to or from the region should monitor information about airport and airline operations.”

The warning also extended to potential risks involving US diplomatic facilities and other locations associated with the United States.

“Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world,” the advisory said.

Houthi attacks raise concerns over Saudi Arabia and regional security

The State Department alert came after reports of Iran-backed Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia.

Saudi authorities said they intercepted a ballistic missile targeting Riyadh on Saturday, September 19. 

Houthi military spokesperson Brig Gen Yahya Saree also confirmed that the group had launched ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones toward the Saudi capital and facilities belonging to Saudi oil company Aramco in Yanbu.

The US State Department also specifically cited Iranian-supported Houthi activity in its warning. “Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports.

This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly,” the department said.

Saudi Arabia is already under a Level Three US travel advisory, which advises Americans to reconsider travel because of risks associated with armed conflict and possible missile and drone attacks.