Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The US Embassy in Baghdad and the US Consulate General in Erbil advised American citizens on Saturday to leave the Middle East as tensions in the region remained high.
The US mission said in a statement that due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation.
The mission added that Americans presently in the Middle East should exercise extreme caution and alertness and be prepared for flight cancellations, frequent airspace closures, and possible travel difficulties.
Some regional airlines have postponed the restart of previously scheduled flights, while others have cancelled some routes.
Americans in the region are advised to consider departing or to be ready to leave if tensions escalate.
In a statement, the US Embassy in Baghdad advised that those who choose to travel to or from the region should closely monitor updates regarding airport and airline operations.
US diplomatic installations, especially those outside the Middle East, have been attacked. Iran and pro-Iran groups may attack additional US interests abroad or at areas connected with the US and Americans across the world, such as US corporations and institutions, according to the statement.
The Iranian leadership is unpredictable, as seen by recent moves to strike regions without notice, as well as to expand assaults to previously untargeted territories such as Egypt, according to the US Embassy in Iraq.
The US Embassy advised Americans to remain vigilant, as the absence of past attacks on US interests or businesses in a country does not ensure their safety.
