Americans weighing a trip abroad are being hit with a fresh warning from the U.S. State Department as safety and security concerns mount in the Middle East.
On Oct. 12, the department issued a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory for Saudi Arabia, with certain areas of the country carrying the more serious Level 4 “Do Not Travel” designation.
U.S. officials pointed to a range of concerns driving the warning, including regional conflict, terrorism, missile and drone attacks, exit bans and strict laws governing social media activity.
The updated advisory follows a string of attacks on Saudi airports by Iran-backed Houthi rebels that reportedly left at least 14 people dead, including an American, and more than 300 others injured, as Fox News Digital recently reported.
Travel expert Lee Abbamonte told Fox News Digital that Americans thinking about heading to the kingdom need to stay alert.
“Americans considering travel to Saudi Arabia should be aware of fresh attacks on Riyadh airport and threats of further action due to conflict with the Houthis and the ongoing Iran war,” Abbamonte said.
He added, “This is a very confusing time for Saudi travel, as we don’t currently know where this conflict will go. I would probably sit it out if I were thinking of traveling to the region” right now.
According to the State Department, the security situation has also taken a toll on commercial air travel.
The department said the threat of Iranian missile and drone attacks has persisted since hostilities between the U.S. and Iran broke out in February.
Commercial flights are still running in Saudi Arabia, but service has been hit with major disruptions at times. Cities, airports, military bases, energy facilities and other infrastructure have all been targeted, and debris from intercepted weapons can pose a threat to people on the ground.
Travelers are also being warned to think twice before pulling out their phones during such incidents.
“Do not photograph, film or share information about missile or drone interceptions or impact sites,” the State Department cautioned, noting that Americans have been detained for taking photos of recent events.
Terrorism remains another major worry. Officials warn that attacks could occur with little or no warning at tourist attractions, hotels, transportation hubs, shopping malls and other spots frequented by foreigners.
The advisory also urges Americans to be careful about what they post or engage with online.
“Some U.S. citizens have been arrested for past social media activity,” the advisory states.
According to the department, that can include posts, reposts or likes seen as critical of the Saudi government or its leaders, even if the activity took place while the person was outside the country.
The warning lays out a long list of risks facing Americans in Saudi Arabia, from missile and drone strikes and airport attacks to terrorism threats and the possibility of detention over photos or social media activity, as the region’s conflict shows no clear sign of where it is headed.
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