The State Department has issued another “worldwide caution” alert on Thursday, citing the heightened risk for travelers in about 50% of the world’s countries. The agency has listed 21 countries as Level 4, meaning do not travel, another 20 as Level 3, or reconsider travel, and 70 others as Level 2, or exercise increased caution. These advisories are intended for Americans traveling internationally or overseas.
The countries Haiti, Russia, and Ukraine, North Korea, Belarus, Burma, Iraq, and the West Bank and Gaza, have had new Level 4 alerts posted due to ongoing conflicts and conflicts with Hamas. The situation has led to renewed warnings for Lebanon with the US embassy there urging citizens to leave as soon as possible.
In the Middle East, the government has urged Americans not to travel to certain states in Mexico and cautioned that Haiti is due to kidnapping, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure. China has also issued a Level 3 advisory. This week, the US Embassy in Turkey issued a security alert due to recent protests and attacks targeting US business in the country and advised keeping a low profile.
The United States has also mobilized a considerable amount of troops, warships, and other military assets to the Middle East in response to increased tensions. Since early October, the US has launched airstrikes on several militia groups in Syria. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the president has prioritized the safety of US personnel, leading to the decision to defend itself, its personnel, and its interests. There have been 45 personnel injured as a result of these attacks, with 32 at al-Tanf garrison in southeastern Syria and 13 at al-Asad air base in western Iraq.