Ankara: The US on Saturday urged Americans outside the Middle East to seriously reconsider travel to and through the region, citing a complex security environment and the potential for rapid escalation.

According to Anadolu Agency, the State Department's Travel.Gov account on a US social media platform advised Americans in the Middle East to exercise heightened vigilance and be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and other travel disruptions. The advisory highlighted the complex security situation and the potential for unforeseen escalation due to tensions in the Middle East.

The warning specifically mentioned hostilities involving Iranian-supported Houthis and Saudi Arabia, including attacks targeting civilian airports. The conflict in the region was noted as having the potential to escalate rapidly, posing further risks to travelers.

Americans traveling to or from the region were advised to monitor updates on airport and airline operations to stay informed about any changes or disruptions. The State Department also cautioned that US diplomatic facilities, including those outside the Middle East, have been targeted in the past. It warned that Iran and groups supporting it might target US interests overseas or locations associated with the US and Americans worldwide, including businesses and other institutions.

The advisory follows recent renewed Houthi attacks and increasing tensions involving Saudi Arabia, accompanied by a series of security alerts and military incidents across the region.