US Warns Citizens in the Middle East: Prepare for Sudden Escalation and Travel Disruptions
- Advised them to consider departure in anticipation of flight cancellations and airspace closures
The U.S. Department of State issued a global alert to its citizens on Saturday, urging them to exercise extreme caution amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and what it described as Iran’s “unpredictable” behavior.
U.S. embassies in several countries in the region disseminated the alert via their social media accounts, emphasizing that the security situation remains complex, with the possibility of sudden escalation and disruptions to travel.
The department urged U.S. citizens in the Middle East to heighten their vigilance and prepare for the potential cancellation of flights or temporary closure of airspace, noting that some airlines have postponed resuming their services, while others have canceled routes.
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Those in the region were urged to consider leaving or preparing to do so in the event of an escalation. Citizens outside the Middle East were advised to seriously reconsider travel to or through the region and to monitor the latest developments regarding airports and airlines.
The U.S. State Department clarified that U.S. diplomatic facilities, including those outside the Middle East, have been targeted, warning of the possibility that Iran and its allied groups may target other U.S. interests abroad, including companies, institutions, and sites linked to the United States and its citizens.
The department stressed that developments in the Middle East are rapid and volatile, noting that recent Iranian attacks were carried out without prior warning or clear justification, and their scope extended to areas previously not targeted, including Egypt.
It emphasized the need for U.S. citizens to remain vigilant, explaining that the fact that U.S. interests or companies in a particular country have not previously been attacked does not necessarily mean they will be safe in the future.
According to CNN, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad advised citizens in Iraq to maintain a high state of readiness, follow local media, comply with authorities’ instructions, and prepare for the possibility of travel disruptions or airspace closure at any time and without prior notice.
It also advised them, in the event of any attack, to take shelter in a safe location and avoid approaching debris or falling objects.
