Americans warned again to rethink travel as missile attack rattles historic region

The State Department renewed its warning on Saturday to Americans who may be traveling in and through the Middle East as escalating regional tensions raise concerns among travelers.

The warning came as Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile toward Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over the weekend — which Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted.

Residents reported hearing an explosion and later seeing a plume of smoke near King Khalid International Airport, according to The Associated Press (AP).