The US State Department has updated travel advisories for several Middle Eastern countries, warning of possible armed attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces and threats targeting Americans.
Five countries — Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen — are on the department’s highest advisory level list, Level 4, which warns Americans not to travel.
Eight other countries, including Israel, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, are designated Level 3, urging travelers to reconsider their plans.
Although advisory levels remained largely unchanged, all 13 advisories were updated on Friday.
The advisories cite recent attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis, including strikes on Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh airport and “other critical infrastructure,” the department said.
The attacks resulted in civilian deaths and widespread travel disruptions, with the State Department warning that hostilities “could rapidly escalate beyond this immediate area.”
Americans traveling to the region also face additional risks, including health concerns in Iraq and Yemen, officials said.
Kidnapping and hostage-taking are among additional concerns in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, according to the State Department.
Civil unrest was also cited as a risk in Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.
The State Department encourages Americans traveling to these countries to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts and updates from U.S. embassies.
Americans are also urged to monitor local news, prepare to shelter in place if conditions worsen, and have an emergency departure plan that does not depend on assistance from the U.S. government.
Fox News Digital has contacted the State Department for additional information.
The updates follow several other recent travel warnings issued by the State Department.
Last week, the State Department raised its travel advisory for Kenya from Level 2, “Exercise Increased Caution,” to Level 3, “Reconsider Travel,” citing health risks, crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism.
Around the same time, authorities warned Americans traveling to China of the risk of unwarranted detention, electronic surveillance and restrictions that could prevent them from leaving the country.
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