U.S. issues security alerts across the Middle East, warns of flight disruptions

Washington warns Americans in 12 Middle Eastern locations of possible airspace closures and escalating hostilities as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia intensify.The United States has issued security alerts for Americans in 12 locations across the Middle East, including Qatar, warning of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures and further escalation as attacks by Yemen’s Houthis on Saudi Arabia intensify.The alerts, dated 18 October, cover Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Iran, Qatar, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and Israel/Occupied Jerusalem.U.S. diplomatic missions have urged American citizens to remain vigilant, monitor airline and airport operations, and prepare contingency plans in case travel arrangements are disrupted.“Be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions,” the U.S. Embassy in Qatar said in its security alert.The notice warned that “the hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area”, raising concerns that the consequences of the fighting could extend beyond Saudi Arabia and neighbouring areas.The alerts also warned that Iran and groups supportive of Tehran could target U.S. interests overseas, including businesses, institutions and locations associated with the United States and its citizens.In Qatar, the U.S. Embassy in Doha advised American citizens to monitor changing security conditions and follow official guidance.It urged them to stay informed about local developments, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, stay away from areas with a heavy police presence, and exercise caution at locations publicly associated with the United States.“If an aerial attack occurs, stay away from glass doors, windows, and any fallen debris,” the embassy advised, urging Americans to monitor their phones and news outlets for official instructions.The embassy also recommended keeping mobile phones charged, saving emergency contact numbers, maintaining a low profile and enrolling in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).The programme allows registered travellers to receive security updates and helps U.S/ diplomatic missions contact them during emergencies.The embassy said it remained open for routine American citizen services and limited visa services.The warnings come amid a sharp escalation in attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement, which has targeted Saudi airports and energy infrastructure as fighting in Yemen intensifies.A Houthi attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on 10 October killed at least 13 people and injured more than 300.The escalations have disrupted air travel, with Qatar Airways temporarily suspending flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam on 12 October.