United States President Donald Trump has returned to the White House earlier than scheduled after cutting short his weekend stay at Camp David, amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Trump had been expected to remain at the presidential retreat in Maryland until Sunday but returned to Washington on Saturday.
The White House did not immediately give a reason for the change in his schedule.
However, changes to presidential travel plans are not unusual, particularly during weekends, while weather conditions may also have influenced the decision. Rain and thunderstorms were forecast for the Camp David area on Sunday.
Trump’s early return came as tensions escalated in the Middle East, with the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels reporting a ballistic missile attack on Riyadh early Saturday.
The attack reportedly occurred after a fire was reported near the Saudi capital’s international airport.
Following the development, the United States Department of State and several American embassies issued security alerts to US citizens in the region.
The warnings pointed to the possibility of further escalation, citing previous attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis against Saudi Arabia, including attacks involving civilian airports.
“This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly,” the State Department warned.
It also advised Americans outside the Middle East to “seriously reconsider travel to and through the region.”
The development comes amid heightened concerns over the widening regional conflict and its potential impact on security across the Middle East.
