US embassies issue security alerts across 12 Middle East locations

US embassies across 12 locations in the Middle East have issued coordinated security alerts warning American citizens of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruption amid escalating regional tensions.

The identical advisories, dated 18 October, cover the Gulf states, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Yemen and Iran, and cite potential threats from Iran and the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

“Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including US businesses and other institutions,” the advisory said, according to Al Jazeera.

Americans were urged to “be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions” and to “exercise heightened vigilance due to the complex security environment”.

Referring to continuing Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, the advisory said the conflict could “escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area”. The Houthis have in recent days struck civilian airports and infrastructure inside the kingdom, causing severe travel disruption.

The alerts stop short of closing airports or cancelling flights: travellers are advised to check flight status directly with airlines and to follow guidance from local authorities and US diplomatic missions.