US issues rare Middle East red alert warning to its citizens in the region

By Peter Barabas Published on 19/10/2026 - 13:55 GMT+2 Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Share Facebook Twitter Flipboard Send Reddit Linkedin Messenger Telegram VK Bluesky Threads Whatsapp Washington has taken the rare measure to issue a red alert to US citizens in 12 countries across the Middle East, citing risks of potential attacks on US interests. US embassies across the entire Middle East issued identical security alerts on Monday, warning their citizens in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Yemen and Iran to exercise heightened vigilance. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The alerts warn all US citizens of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions due to the risk of military escalation linked to Yemen’s Houthis and Iran. The warning covering 12 countries states that “the hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area” and to “develop contingency plans in advance.” “Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including US businesses and other institutions,” the alert said. In Saudi Arabia, the embassy warned of a “complex security environment,” as “Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.” The alert also states that “Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including US businesses and other institutions.” In Qatar, the US embassy urged its citizens on Sunday to monitor official alerts and local media, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and follow instructions from local authorities.⁠ Qatar Airways announced on Monday that it will suspend its Saudi-bound flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam until 24 October and reduce flights to Jeddah from seven to four per day. Go to accessibility shortcuts Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Read more Qatar’s emir vows that country will emerge stronger as he outlines national strategies UAE calls for stronger Gulf defence as allies back Saudi Arabia after Riyadh airport attacks Houthis claim further Riyadh airport attacks as Saturday’s death toll rises to 13 Middle East Saudi Arabia Iran United States Houthis Security Comments