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The State Department renewed its warning on Saturday to Americans who may be traveling in and through the Middle East as escalating regional tensions raise concerns among travelers.
The warning came as Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile toward Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over the weekend — which Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted.
Residents reported hearing an explosion and later seeing a plume of smoke near King Khalid International Airport, according to The Associated Press (AP). No casualties or damage from the attack were reported.
AMERICANS WARNED AGAINST TRAVEL PLANS AS TERRORISM THREATENS POPULAR DESTINATION
In an X post on Saturday, the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs warned that the security environment in the Middle East “remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation.”
The agency added, “Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.”
The State Department is urging Americans in the Middle East to remain vigilant amid heightened regional tensions and potential travel disruptions. (iStock)
Officials specifically cited hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis in its warning.
“Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports,” the post said.
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“This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly. Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region.”
The agency also advised those traveling to or from the region to monitor airport and airline operations, warning that U.S. diplomatic facilities have been targeted, including outside the Middle East.
Smoke was reported near King Khalid International Airport, seen above, as regional tensions and Houthi attacks heightened security concerns in Saudi Arabia. (AFP via Getty Images)
“Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions,” the post added.
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The alert comes as a periodic reminder from the State Department and does not signal a change in advisory status.
The worldwide caution has been in place since February.
U.S. officials are urging Americans to exercise caution across much of the Middle East amid a security environment they say can change rapidly. (iStock)
The latest warning follows a series of similar alerts from U.S. officials amid heightened tensions across the region.
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In June, U.S. officials similarly urged Americans across the Middle East to remain vigilant tensions mounted across the region.
The Houthi missile attack on Riyadh came amid renewed regional hostilities and growing concerns about security and travel disruptions. (AFP via Getty Images)
At the time, officials warned that airspace closures, demonstrations and threats to locations associated with the United States could disrupt travel with little notice.
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The State Department also maintained its “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory for Oman in an Aug. 30 update, warning of risks from armed conflict and terrorism, including the threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.