ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The US Embassy in Baghdad on Monday urged Americans across the Middle East to remain vigilant amid heightened regional tensions, warning of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions.
In a security alert issued on Monday, the embassy said the complex security environment could affect air travel and cautioned “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.”
The alert also highlighted hostilities involving Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure that have caused casualties and major travel disruptions.
The embassy warned that the hostilities could “escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.”
The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, have been engaged in a prolonged conflict with a Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the internationally recognized government.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions and triggered one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
The latest advisory comes amid continued uncertainty over the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, with disputes over Tehran's nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz complicating efforts to secure a lasting peace in the region.
Iran tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz after war with the United States and Israel erupted in late February, severely disrupting the vital maritime corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil normally passes.
In response, the United States imposed a naval counter-blockade targeting Iranian oil exports.
Washington has issued similar security warnings in recent months, urging US citizens in the region to exercise caution amid the risk of further escalation.
