URGENT UPDATE: The U.S. Embassy in Jordan has issued a critical shelter-in-place order for all Americans following heightened tensions with Iran after the recent death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini. This alarming development comes less than a week after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes that have escalated hostilities in the region.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the embassy confirmed that “all Mission personnel are instructed to shelter-in-place,” urging all Americans in the area to follow suit. The embassy has also canceled appointments and noted that Jordanian authorities have temporarily reopened airspace, which had previously been closed from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m.
The situation remains dire. Just days earlier, Iranian drone attacks targeted U.S. embassies and consulates in the Gulf. Notably, a drone struck the parking lot of the U.S. consulate in Dubai on Tuesday, as confirmed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated, “All personnel are accounted for.” However, he emphasized that the threat is “direct,” highlighting the immediacy of the danger.
In addition to the consulate incident, two Iranian drones hit the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, causing a “limited fire” and minor damage. This wave of attacks follows the U.S. and Israel’s strikes on February 28, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 165 people, predominantly young girls in a school, and left at least 95 others wounded.
This uptick in violence has not only endangered diplomatic personnel but has also affected commercial operations. Amazon Web Services reported that their facilities in Bahrain and the UAE suffered drone strikes, resulting in structural damage and power disruptions.
In light of these escalating threats, the U.S. Department of State has advised Americans to leave over a dozen countries in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Data from Flight Aware indicates that over 70% of flights from Doha, Dubai, and Bahrain were canceled on Tuesday, reflecting the deteriorating travel safety in the region.
The global community is urged to remain vigilant as the situation unfolds. As tensions escalate, the impacts of these attacks could resonate far beyond the immediate region. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
