News :: US . ISSUES URGENT SECURITY ALERTS ACROSS MIDDLE EAST; WARNS OF POSSIBLE AIRSPACE CLOSURES AND FLIGHT DISRUPTIONS

U.S. ISSUES URGENT SECURITY ALERTS ACROSS MIDDLE EAST; WARNS OF POSSIBLE AIRSPACE CLOSURES AND FLIGHT DISRUPTIONS

According to Ynet, American diplomatic missions in Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain have warned U.S. citizens about possible airspace closures, flight disruptions and a rapid deterioration in the regional security situation.

The warnings come amid reports of Iranian surface-to-air missiles targeting a U.S. F/A-18 fighter jet over the Strait of Hormuz and the reported downing of an American MQ-9 Reaper drone near Qeshm Island.

The United States subsequently carried out strikes against Iranian air-defense launchers, raising fears of further military escalation.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has advised American citizens to identify nearby bomb shelters and download Israel’s Home Front Command application in preparation for possible emergencies.

Tehran has also reportedly warned that its response could come either openly or covertly.