WASHINGTON—The United States government issued a new security alert for its citizens in various Middle Eastern countries amid rising regional tensions and the risk of a rapid escalation of the conflict.
The State Department urged Americans in the region to
“exercise increased vigilance” and be prepared for possible flight
cancellations, temporary airspace closures, and other disruptions to
transportation services.
The warnings were issued for US citizens in Iran, Iraq,
Oman, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Reports of the alerts
also include Qatar, according to other US diplomatic communications.
Washington noted that the security environment in the Middle
East remains complex and warned of the possibility of an unforeseen escalation.
The State Department also indicated that the Iranian-backed Houthis have
undertaken hostile actions against Saudi Arabia, including attacks that have
jeopardized civilian airport infrastructure.
The warning came after Saudi Arabia reported an attempted
ballistic missile attack on Riyadh. Saudi officials said the missile was
intercepted and there were no casualties or damage, while the Houthis claimed
responsibility for attacks on facilities they described as sensitive targets.
The United States also advised its citizens outside the
Middle East to seriously reconsider travel to or through the region due to the
risk of a rapidly changing situation.