Americans traveling abroad are being urged to exercise caution worldwide, as the war between Israel and Iran has resulted in travel disruptions globally.
The U.S. State Department issued a warning to those traveling around the world, citing the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens.
‘The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East,’ the State Department said in its Worldwide Caution advisory. ‘There is potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution.’
Last week, the State Department warned U.S. travelers to not travel to places like Israel, Gaza and the West Bank because of armed conflict, terrorism and civil unrest.
The threat comes as terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue to plot possible attacks in those areas with little to no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets and local government facilities.
Government officials in Turkey have also been cautioned to maintain a low profile and avoid personal travel to the country’s southernmost provinces.
The alert issued on Sunday reads, ‘Negative sentiment toward U.S. foreign policy may prompt actions against U.S. or Western interests’ in Turkey.
It adds that activities in the past have included demonstrations, calls for boycotts of U.S. businesses, anti-U.S. rhetoric and graffiti.
If traveling abroad, the State Department advised reviewing its website for alerts pertaining to the specific destination being visited.
The advisory comes after President Donald Trump ordered military strikes on Iran’s key nuclear facilities in what officials are calling ‘Operation Midnight Hammer.’
After the bombing, Iranian officials warned of retaliation against the U.S.
The State Department often issues alerts and travel advisories for Americans overseas.
The travel advisories range from ‘exercise normal precaution’ to ‘Do Not Travel,’ which is reserved for parts of the world where there is ongoing conflict, ethnic or religious discrimination or where U.S. citizens are generally not welcome.
Other reasons for alerts include crime rates, health concerns and piracy in some parts of the world.
