The US State Department has issued a broad security warning for the Middle East. The department has asked American citizens present in the area to be more cautious. The department said the situation could deteriorate rapidly, leading to flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions.
Americans advised to reconsider travel
“Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise increased caution and be aware of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. The Iran-backed Houthi group has engaged in hostile activities against Saudi Arabia, including targeting civilian airports. This military conflict is likely to escalate rapidly,” the US State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs wrote on its social media handle.
The post further states, “Americans located outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider traveling through or to the region. Those traveling to and from the region should continue to monitor information related to the operations of airports and airlines. U.S. diplomatic establishments located outside the Middle East have also been targeted. Iran and pro-Iran groups are targeting other U.S. interests abroad or locations associated with the U.S. and Americans. Can make. These also include American businesses and other institutions.
The State Department said Iran-backed Houthi rebels have carried out hostile activities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks targeting civilian airports. The department has asked Americans living outside the Middle East to seriously reconsider their decision to travel to or through the region. Also, traveling people have been advised to keep a constant eye on the status of operations of airports and airlines.
Claim of missile and drone attack on Riyadh
The warning comes as Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed on Saturday that they fired missiles and drones at “sensitive” targets in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh. Flames and a large plume of black smoke were seen near Riyadh airport. Earlier, Saudi officials had also issued a warning to residents about possible air strikes.
The Saudi Arabia-led military coalition said its air defense system intercepted and destroyed a missile fired toward Riyadh. Later officials announced the situation was normal. The Houthis claimed the attacks targeted targets in the Saudi capital, while Saudi officials said the missile aimed at Riyadh was intercepted.
The US State Department also warned that US diplomatic establishments outside the Middle East had also been targeted. The department said Iran and pro-Iran groups could target US interests abroad or locations associated with Americans. These may also include American companies and other American institutions.
