US cautions Americans Middle East situation has ‘potential for unforeseen escalation’

US cautions Americans Middle East situation has ‘potential for unforeseen escalation’

The US State Department has warned Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution, saying that due to “heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation”.

In a statement, the department cautioned Americans that “groups supportive of Iran might target US interests overseas or locations associated with the country or Americans throughout the world”.

It reminded Americans of the “continued need for caution” and encouraged them to “monitor the news for breaking developments”.  

“US diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted,” the statement said, adding that flight cancellations and periodic airspace closures may cause travel disruptions. 

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“Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest US embassy or consulate,” the department said.

Worldwide Caution: Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation. We remind Americans in the region of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking… pic.twitter.com/A3LKEQSRiO

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