Washington Warns Americans in Middle East of Possible Security Escalation

The U.S. Department of State has raised its security alert level for American citizens in the Middle East, warning of a complex security environment and the possibility of a rapid and unexpected escalation in the coming period.

In an official advisory issued early Sunday, the department urged Americans in the region to exercise extreme caution and remain prepared for emergency situations, including sudden flight cancellations, disruptions to air traffic, and airspace closures.

The State Department also called on Americans outside the Middle East to reconsider plans to travel to or transit through the region, warning that the recent military escalation and exchanges of missile attacks have increased the risks to U.S. diplomatic and commercial facilities and interests.