US Issues Security Warning To Citizens In Nigeria, Others

The United States Government has issued a global security warning to its citizens in Nigeria and other parts of the world as  tensions between Washington and Tehran intensified following the joint military operation launched by the US and Israel against Iran on Saturday.

According to the advisory, issued by the State Department on Sunday, all Americans must remain vigilant in the wake of ongoing war against Iran, stressing that shifting security developments could disrupt travel plans and pose safety concerns, including possible interruptions to air travel.

“Following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate,” the advisory read.

“They may experience travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures. The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution,” it added.

The alert also urged US nationals to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive up-to-date security information, even as it encouraged citizens to monitor the “U.S. Department of State Security Updates for US Citizens” WhatsApp channel for additional updates.

The joint strikes by US and Israeli forces on Iranian targets killed Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei and about 40 top officials of the Islamic Republic on Saturday.

Over 500 people have been reported dead in the strikes in Iran and about 800 injured as the casualty figures mount.

However, Iran has unleashed a barrage of missiles in Israel killing about 10 people. The Islamic Republic has also fires missiles into targets in neigbouring countries in the Middle East and the Gulf States.

As of Monday Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks had hit Bahrain, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan causing some damage to property and the civilian population.   Experts said this may lead to wider regional conflict as the Gulf countries may be forced to inflict reprisal attacks in Iran.