Nairobi, March 3- The United States government has directed its citizens to leave several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, citing rising security risks linked to escalating conflict in the region.
In a security alert issued on Monday, the United States Department of State urged Americans to “depart now” from a number of countries across the Middle East — among them Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen — using any available commercial transportation due to serious safety concerns.
The advisory was shared on the department’s official communication channels, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and encouraging citizens to prioritize their safety.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington has established a 24-hour task force to provide Americans with up-to-date security information and assist them in making informed travel decisions as tensions continue to mount.
The evacuation directive follows intensified hostilities after reported U.S. and Israeli strikes on Tehran, which allegedly led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with other senior figures. In response, Iran is said to have launched hundreds of missiles targeting U.S. and Israeli interests in parts of the Gulf.
Amid the unrest, a drone strike reportedly caused minor damage at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, while Iranian forces claimed responsibility for another attack on a U.S. military installation in Bahrain.
American officials in Saudi Arabia have advised citizens in the kingdom to shelter in place and avoid visiting the embassy until further notice, urging travelers to closely monitor security updates and adjust their plans as the situation continues to evolve.
