The US State Department has issued a worldwide caution alert, advising all US citizens abroad “to exercise increased caution” due to heightened tensions in various global locations. This alert comes in the wake of potential terrorist threats, demonstrations, and violent actions targeting U.S. citizens and interests.
The alert is particularly significant in light of the recent protests erupting throughout the Middle East, many of which have targeted US diplomatic compounds, in response to the Israel-Hamas war. State Department spokesperson emphasized that the decision to issue such an alert is based on a combination of factors and not just one specific event.
In the past week, the State Department has heightened the Travel Advisory for both Lebanon and Israel and has allowed non-emergency US government personnel and their families to leave. Furthermore, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has instructed diplomatic posts globally to conduct emergency security reviews. Learn more.