The US State Department issued a rare worldwide alert.
The U.S. State Department on Thursday issued a worldwide alert to Americans overseas due to the potential for terrorist attacks, coming in the midst of heightened tensions in the Middle East due to the Israel–Hamas conflict.
“Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” the alert said.
It then advised U.S. citizens to remain alert in locations frequented by tourists, enroll in the agency’s travel program, and follow the agency on social media to receive alerts and updates. Other details were not provided.
The issuance of the rare worldwide alert bulletin comes amid demonstrations and riots across the Middle East in response to the conflict in Israel. Many demonstrators this week have targeted U.S. embassies and other compounds.
Also this week, the State Department raised the travel alert for both Israel and nearby Lebanon to Level 4, or its highest level. The U.S. embassy in Beirut also allowed non-emergency personnel and family members to depart Lebanon and Israel.
The Embassy in Beirut, meanwhile, urged U.S. citizens to leave “as soon as possible” while commercial flights and other options are still available. The embassies for France, Canada, Australia, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom have issued similar bulletins, according to reports.
“If you have not already done so, please complete the crisis intake form to provide contact information should we need to reach out to you on short notice,” the embassy said in a bulletin that was sent out to American citizens in the broader Middle East region. “Please also be aware that the U.S. government has authorized the departure of family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel on a case-by-case basis from Mission Israel and Lebanon.”
That same U.S. embassy bulletin also noted that for Americans in Israel, flights out of Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv are limited. The U.S. State Department is facilitating flights out of the country and is urging “those wishing to leave to take advantage of these charters while they are available,” it said, adding that departures will continue until at least Oct. 22.
Americans in Gaza, however, are faced with a more dire situation as U.S. officials are trying to work on possible means to depart the region for citizens trapped there.
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