US issues rare Middle East red alert warning to its citizens in the region

US embassies across the entire Middle East issued identical security alerts on Monday, warning their citizens in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Yemen and Iran to exercise heightened vigilance.

The alerts warn all US citizens of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions due to the risk of military escalation linked to Yemen’s Houthis and Iran.

The warning covering 12 countries states that “the hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area” and to “develop contingency plans in advance.”

“Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including US businesses and other institutions,” the alert said.

In Saudi Arabia, the embassy warned of a “complex security environment,” as “Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.”

The alert also states that “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, including US businesses and other institutions.”

In Qatar, the US embassy urged its citizens on Sunday to monitor official alerts and local media, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and follow instructions from local authorities.

Qatar Airways announced on Monday that it will suspend its Saudi-bound flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam until 24 October and reduce flights to Jeddah from seven to four per day.