Washington Urges Americans to Move to Safer Locations Across the Middle East

Melbourne, 3 March: Amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the United States Department of State on Tuesday advised American citizens to leave several countries in the region immediately. The advisory was issued through official posts on Facebook and the social media platform X.

The countries listed in the advisory include Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Palestine (West Bank and Gaza), Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

The renewed warning comes after the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran last Saturday. The attacks reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with several senior officials in Tehran. In retaliation, Iran began launching missile and drone strikes against Israel and targeting US military bases and installations across the Middle East.

Drone Strike in Riyadh

The US Embassy in Riyadh announced on Tuesday the cancellation of all consular services. In an official statement, the embassy confirmed that all routine and emergency visa appointments had been suspended. Missions in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran have been instructed to remain in “secure status.”

American citizens have been advised to avoid embassy buildings and surrounding areas and to follow their personal security plans.

Earlier Tuesday morning, two drones reportedly struck the US Embassy compound in Riyadh. The attack caused a minor fire and partial damage to the building. Following the incident, security at US installations across the Middle East has been elevated to the highest level.

Washington Signals Response

US President Donald Trump told reporters that Washington would respond strongly to the attack. “You will see very soon what we are going to do,” he said, hinting at significant retaliatory measures.

Visa Services Suspended in Pakistan

Citing security concerns, the US Embassy in Islamabad has cancelled visa interviews. The suspension also applies to US consulates in Lahore and Karachi and will remain in effect until 6 March.

On Sunday, following reports of the US-Israel strikes, protests erupted outside the US Consulate in Karachi. Demonstrators attempted to enter the compound, prompting security forces to open fire. At least 10 people were reportedly killed in the clashes.

Regional Tensions Escalate

With airspace disruptions and heightened military activity across the region, tensions continue to mount. The US government is urging its citizens to remain vigilant, monitor official updates and move to safer locations where possible.

Source: Al Jazeera