State Department Warns Americans Abroad: ‘Keep a Low Profile’
Series of alerts amid 'heightened tension in the Middle East'
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The U.S. State Department has issued alerts to Americans following the U.S. military airstrike that killed the leader of Iran’s elite Quds Force, Gen. Qasem Soleimani.
The department cited “heightened tension in the Middle East” while warning US citizens abroad to keep a low profile.
The U.S. Embassy in Rome sent out an email message to Americans urging them to “keep a low profile” due to heightened tensions, which “may result in security risks to U.S. citizens abroad.”
Other actions to be taken include alertness in locations frequented by tourists, a review of personal security plans, having travel documents “up to date and easily accessible," and greater awareness of your surroundings.
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Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, the U.S. Embassy is urging greater care.
The security alert for Israel, West Bank and Gaza, the embassy “strongly encourages U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness, as security incidents, including rocket fire, often take place without warning.”
The alerts were reportedly is issued “out of an abundance of caution,” despite listing some very concrete threats.
“In the event of mortar or rocket fire, a red alert siren may be activated,” it said.
“Treat all such alerts as real; follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space.”
The Pentagon has moved six B-52 strategic bombers to the #DiegoGarcia military base in the Indian Ocean as the US prepares for a potential strike against #Iran following threats of retaliation for the killing of Iranian terrorist Qassem #Soleimani.
— Neon Nettle (@NeonNettle) January 7, 2020
https://t.co/ndKD5MqUmT
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With regard to Iran, the State Department has issued a level-four travel advisory and warned Americans not to travel to Iran “due to the risk of kidnapping, arrest, detention of U.S. citizens.”
The government suggests that those who intend to travel to Iran “draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.”
“Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc," it states.
Last week, President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. military airstrike that killed the leader of Iran’s elite Quds Force, Gen. Qasem Soleimani.
According to the Pentagon's statement:
“At the direction of the President, the U.S. military has taken decisive defensive action to protect U.S. personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization."
