The United States has issued urgent security alerts across multiple Middle Eastern nations on Friday following Israel’s high-stakes military strikes against Iran, cautioning American citizens of possible missile attacks and advising against travel to the region.
The US State Department specifically named Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel in its alerts, urging Americans in certain areas to shelter in place and in some cases leave immediately.
“US citizens who are unable to depart Iran should shelter in place,” read a advisory, as fears grew over an Iranian retaliation and regional escalation following Israel’s newly launched Operation Rising Lion.
The department also flagged the risk of missiles, drones, or rockets potentially flying over Iraqi and Jordanian airspace. “In the event of such an incident seek overhead cover and shelter in place. Do not expose yourself to falling debris,” it warned.
Israel said on Friday it had targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders at the start of what it warned would be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.
Iran promised a harsh response to the onslaught. Israel said about 100 drones had been launched towards Israeli territory in retaliation, although an Iranian source denied this.
The State Department said on Friday there were no plans to evacuate or assist Americans departing Israel after the closure of Ben Gurion Airport.
On Thursday it said it had directed all US government employees and their family members in Israel to shelter in place until further notice.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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