WASHINGTON: In view of the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, the United States has issued an emergency travel advisory advising American citizens in more than 12 countries in the Middle East to evacuate immediately.
The decision comes at a time when tensions have risen in the region following joint US and Israeli operations against Iran. According to US officials, the lives of American citizens may be at risk due to possible retaliatory attacks and uncertain security conditions, so immediate evacuation has been ordered as a precautionary measure.
In a statement issued by the State Department, American citizens in Israel, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon and other relevant countries have been asked to depart as soon as possible via commercial flights.
The statement stressed that citizens should avoid unnecessary travel and follow the instructions of local authorities.
New security guidelines have also been issued for the West Bank and Gaza. These areas were already declared high-risk zones, but the threat level has been raised further after recent developments. US embassies and consulates have also been put on alert and additional security measures are being taken to deal with emergencies.
US officials say the situation is changing moment by moment and more stringent measures may be taken at any time. Citizens have been instructed to monitor the US State Department website and diplomatic missions for updates.
According to analysts, the warning is an indication that tensions in the region could increase further and there is a possibility of a large-scale conflict. The decision by the US to evacuate its citizens reflects serious concerns at the diplomatic and military levels, the effects of which could have on the entire region.
