The State Department issued a “worldwide caution” statement over the weekend, urging Americans to “exercise increased caution” amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution. Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate,” the security alert says. “Periodic airspace closures may cause travel disruptions. U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world.”
Earlier this month, Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson said more than two dozen charter flights have safely evacuated thousands of Americans. “While commercial flight availability across the region continues to improve, Department of State charter flights and ground transport operations continue to operate,” Johnson said.
“At this time, seats available on the Department’s charter options are significantly greater than the demand from Americans in the region. Many Americans continue to depart on commercial options,” he continued. “Despite having made these options available to every American who has requested travel assistance, State Department charter flights continue to operate with less than 40% occupancy on average.”
Iran’s military also issued a sweeping threat against American civilians worldwide, warning that tourist sites, resorts, and entertainment centers will “not be safe” for Americans following a series of Israeli strikes that dismantled the regime’s top leadership. “We are watching your cowardly officials and commanders, pilots and wicked soldiers,” Shekarchi said, as per The Times of Israel. “From now on, based on the information we have on you, the promenades, resorts and tourist and entertainment centres in the world will not be safe for you either.”
