US EMBASSY IN SAUDI ARABIA ORDERS 'SHELTER IN PLACE' AMID ESCALATING MISSILE THREATS

HAMILTON (Canada), April 1 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The United States (US) Embassy in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday advised all American government employees and US citizens across the Kingdom to "shelter in place" amid escalating missile threats, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

In an advisory, the embassy warned that Saudi Arabia's early warning system is "not consistently reliable in providing timely warnings," raising serious concerns about civilian preparedness in the event of an attack.

"To the extent possible, remain in your residence or another structure, and stay away from windows," the embassy said, recommending Americans keep supplies of food, water, medications, and other essential items on hand.

"We are tracking reports of threats against locations where American citizens gather," the embassy said, warning that hotels, US businesses, and educational institutions "may be potential targets."

On March 8, the State Department ordered non-emergency US government employees to leave the Kingdom entirely. Essential staff remaining have been advised to avoid the US Embassy, US Consulate Dhahran, and hotels.

The Department of State issued a worldwide caution security alert on March 22, urging Americans everywhere to exercise increased vigilance.

The US and Israel have conducted airstrikes on Iran since Feb 28, killing more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU