Estonia urges its citizens to avoid travel to Saudi Arabia

Estonia's Foreign Ministry has strongly advised the country's residents to avoid travelling to Saudi Arabia and other nearby Middle Eastern countries. The reason is a growing number of attacks by Yemen's Houthis, according to the Estonian outlet ERR News.

Why the ministry is warning

The ministry says the security situation in the region is highly volatile and unpredictable. New attacks happen without prior warning. If the situation escalates further, air traffic could be disrupted, and the closure of national borders is also possible.

Advice for those already in the region

Estonian citizens who are already in the region are asked to be extremely careful, to stay away from crowded places and events, and to follow the instructions of local authorities. They should also register their location on the travel website run by the ministry, so that they can be contacted quickly if necessary.

Attack on Riyadh airport

Over the past few days the Houthis have stepped up attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure. On the evening of 11 October they attacked the international airport in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. Twelve people were killed and more than 300 were injured. It is the deadliest terrorist attack in Saudi Arabia in the past decade.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are a gross violation of international law. He added that Estonia condemns the attacks carried out by the Houthis.