The Foreign Office has issued an urgent travel warning for 16 countries following a drone attack on Israel by Iran.
Travellers to Oman, Morocco, Qatar, Syria, Libya, Lebanon, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, Algeria, and Bahrain are being advised to exercise extra caution.
The Foreign Office stated: “On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast.
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“Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. “.
Iran launched an attack on Israel with 300 drones and missiles last night, most of which were intercepted. Although airspace was temporarily closed, it has since reopened.
US President Joe Biden announced plans to convene a meeting of the Group of Seven advanced democracies on Sunday “to co-ordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack”, reports Wales Online.
The attack by Iran was in retaliation for a strike widely attributed to Israel on an Iranian consular building in Syria earlier this month, which resulted in the deaths of two Iranian generals. Israel reported that Iran launched 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and more than 120 ballistic missiles early on Sunday.
Yesterday, the Foreign Office issued a critical travel warning for more than 18 countries, advising travellers heading to nations around the southern Mediterranean and the Middle East of an increased risk of terrorist attacks due to tensions in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The advisory was released overnight, with the Foreign Office cautioning in its update for all the affected countries: “There is rising tension between Iran and Israel. Any military action could escalate quickly and could pose risks for the wider region. If you are in the region, or considering travel to the region, monitor news updates and continue to check FCDO travel advice for updates.”
Popular holiday destinations included in the warning are the United Arab Emirates, which encompasses Dubai, as well as Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Tunisia. The alert also covers Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Yemen, Qatar, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Oman, and Lebanon.
UK officials have expressed particular concern for British tourists in these areas, stating: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.”
The Foreign Office has stated that a terror attack is ‘likely’, explaining: “UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.”
It also noted that terrorists continue making threats to launch attacks in the Gulf region, potentially targeting western interests, including UK citizens. Possible targets might include: residential compounds, military sites, oil, transport, aviation interests, crowded places, restaurants, hotels, beaches, shopping centres, and places of worship.
The public are urged to consult the latest advice for their intended destination on the Foreign Office’s website.
