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The Embassy directed all U.S. citizens in Iraq to leave immediately via available overland routes to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, or Türkiye.

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Iran and its aligned militia groups have conducted widespread attacks against U.S. citizens and targets associated with the United States throughout Iraq, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR), according to the Embassy. All routine consular services at the U.S. Embassy Baghdad and the Consulate General in Erbil are suspended.

Some Embassy staff have been placed on ordered departure while the U.S. Mission in Iraq continues to operate. The Embassy noted that U.S. citizens choosing to remain in Iraq are doing so at significant risk.

The April 2 alert represents an escalation from a March 29 security alert in which Iran was identified as directing threats specifically at American universities in Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah, and Dohuk.

The April 2 alert broadened the threat to all U.S.-associated targets in central Baghdad and added a specific 24-48 hour attack window.

Attack Warning: 24-48 Hour Window and Target Categories

The U.S. Embassy Baghdad security alert said: “Iraqi terrorist militia groups aligned with Iran may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours.” The following target categories were identified in the alert:

• U.S. citizens, businesses, and universities

• Diplomatic facilities

• Energy infrastructure

• Hotels and airports

• Other locations perceived to be associated with the United States

• Iraqi institutions and civilian targets

The alert noted that militia groups have targeted Americans for kidnapping, according to the U.S. Embassy Baghdad. The warning extends across all of Iraq, including the IKR.

Assessment: The target categories span both official and civilian U.S. presence, indicating the threat environment does not distinguish between diplomatic personnel and private U.S. nationals. The explicit citation of kidnapping as a tactic represents a distinct risk category from the mass-casualty scenarios associated with rocket and drone fire, requiring different protective measures for any U.S. nationals currently in-country.

Iraqi Airspace Closed; Overland Departure Routes Available

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• Chiapas, excluding:

  • …

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Shootouts with security forces and explosions occurred in the area. A shelter-in-place order took effect in Puerto Vallarta, with all taxi and rideshare services suspended until further notice.

The events prompted flight cancellations by several airlines serving Puerto Vallarta. Violence disrupted normal activities in a region that attracts large numbers of international tourists.

Canadian and United States authorities issued guidance for nationals in Jalisco State to maintain a low profile, monitor official updates, and follow instructions from local authorities. The situation remained fluid as of February 23.

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Key Developments

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The focal depth reached 619.8 km, classifying it as a very deep-focus event in the South China Sea region near the northern Borneo coast.

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Deep-focus earthquakes of this magnitude typically dissipate significant energy before reaching the surface, resulting in moderated shaking compared to shallow quakes.

Reports indicate the tremor was felt across much of Sabah, including Kota Belud, Kudat, and surrounding areas, with some locations experiencing very strong shaking (MMI VII). No tsunami warning was issued, consistent with events originating at depths exceeding 186 miles (300 km).

As of the latest available information, no major damage or casualties have been reported. Malaysian authorities and regional monitoring agencies continue to assess local impacts.

Key details

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The system brought heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm (8 inches) in some areas, leading to severe flooding, flash floods, and landslides across eastern and central Madagascar.

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As of February 10 (February 11 local time), no casualties or specific infrastructure damage have been confirmed, though assessments are ongoing amid disrupted communications.

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This follows earlier alerts from January 2026, with modifications including the removal of protest references and expanded details on land border options for evacuation.

The alert emphasizes sustained internet blockages and transportation limitations, providing guidance for dual nationals and specific border crossings.

Iranian officials have responded to broader U.S. actions with statements on readiness and diplomacy, though no direct commentary on this specific alert was identified in state sources.

Security Alert Details, Analysis:

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Out of an abundance of caution, the U.S. Embassy has advised its personnel to exercise increased vigilance and has instructed Mission personnel to comply with a temporary halt to movement into facilities at Camp Arifjan, Camp Buehring, Ali Al Salem Air Base, and Camp Patriot. Access to those facilities is limited to essential personnel only at this time.

Given the complex and rapidly changing security environment, we urge U.S. citizens in Kuwait to exercise increased vigilance and personal security awareness.

Please continue to evaluate your and your family’s unique circumstances, consider the latest security guidance, and make informed decisions.

Date: January 15, 2026

Location: Kuwait

• Camp Arifjan

• Camp Buehring

• Ali Al Salem Air Base

• Camp Patriot

Actions to Take:

• Refer to our website for the latest Security Alerts: https://kw.usembassy.gov/category/alert/

• Ensure you have a valid U.S. passport for short-notice travel; visit our website to schedule a passport appointment: https://kw.usembassy.gov/passports/

• Be aware of your surroundings.

• Monitor local and international media for the latest developments.

• Follow the instructions of local authorities.

• Contact your airline directly for flight change details if your flight is affected.

• Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.

• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait on Instagram , X , and WhatsApp .

For Emergency Assistance in Kuwait:

• Please call 112 in case of emergency requiring police, ambulance, or fire services.

• In the event of a life-or-death emergency, U.S. citizens in Kuwait may call the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait at +965-2259-1001.

• If you can’t reach the nearest U.S. embassy during an emergency, call us: From U.S. and Canada: 888-407-4747 All other locations: 202-501-4444

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Date: January 15, 2026

Location: Qatar

Event:  Given ongoing regional tensions, the U.S. Embassy in Doha has advised its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to Al Udeid Airbase. We recommend U.S. citizens in Qatar do the same.

The U.S. Mission to Qatar continues to monitor the situation. At this time, U.S. Embassy staffing and operations are unchanged, and consular services continue as normal.

Actions to Take:

• Remain vigilant and stay informed by following both local and international news sources.

• Review any travel plans in case of disruptions and make appropriate decisions for themselves and their families.

• Pay close attention to official communications from the Qatari government and from the U.S. Embassy.

The Embassy will send security messages via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and through our official U.S. citizen consular information WhatsApp channel for Qatar. All security updates will also be posted on the U.S. Embassy website and shared on our social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Doha, Qatar

Tel. +974-4496-6000 (including after-hours) State Department Consular Affairs 1-888-407-4747 (in U.S. or Canada) or 202-501-4444 (worldwide)

Qatar Country Information

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP ) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Follow U.S. Embassy in Qatar on Instagram , Twitter , and Facebook . Source: https://www.defconlevel.com/alert/2026-01-14-us-embassy-in-doha-advises-personnel-to-exercise-increased-caution-limit-non-essential-travel-to-al-udeid-airbase

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This measure limited transit to pre-authorized international civil flights, reflecting precautionary controls amid regional security dynamics.

The restriction aligned with established protocols managed by the Iran Civil Aviation Authority to regulate airspace during periods of elevated alert.

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Location: Iran, countrywide

Event: Protests across Iran continue to escalate and may tu…

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More Alerts On Haiti

Suspected gang members initiated fire, prompting the Marines to respond. No Marines sustained injuries during the exchange. The event unfolded amid ongoing clashes between Haitian police and gangs in the capital’s outskirts.

This confrontation highlights persistent security challenges in Haiti. Gangs control 85-90 percent of Port-au-Prince, displacing 1.3-1.4 million people according to U.N. assessments.

A state of emergency has remained in effect since March 2024, expanded to the entire country in September 2024 due to escalating violence. The U.S. State Department advises against travel to Haiti citing risks from kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and limited healthcare.

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International efforts, including a U.N.-backed Multinational Security Support mission led by Kenyan police and transitioning to a Gang Suppression Force in October aim to combat the gangs but face criticism for being understaffed and underfunded.

In a concurrent operation from November 13 into November 14, Haitian National Police engaged gangs in the Croix-des-Bouquets area. The clash resulted in seven gang members killed. During the action, a helicopter experienced a suspected malfunction and made an emergency landing. Police destroyed the helicopter to prevent recovery by gangs. Officers involved emerged safe from the incident.

The area falls under control of the Viv Ansanm coalition, designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization in May 2025. This designation underscores the U.S. view of the group’s activities. Haitian authorities continue operations against such groups amid territorial advances by armed factions.

The police action demonstrates ongoing efforts to reclaim strategic areas. Clashes persist in neighborhoods surrounding the capital.

Incident Details

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As of 2:00 a.m. EDT (6:00 a.m. UTC), the center is located near 19.7°N 76.4°W, moving northeast at 10 mph, with conditions expected to deteriorate rapidly in affected areas.

The system made landfall in Jamaica as a Category Five hurricane with 185 mph winds on October 28, 2025, tying the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane for the lowest pressure at landfall in the Atlantic basin. Jamaican authorities report widespread flooding, power outages affecting hundreds of thousands, and telecom disruptions, with relief operations ongoing.

The U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica due to crime and natural disaster risks.

The hurricane’s eye passed over Jamaica’s rugged terrain, allowing re-intensification over open waters, with increased lightning in the inner core. Forecasts indicate Melissa will cross eastern Cuba on October 29, 2025, potentially weakening due to land interaction but still causing life-threatening storm surge, heavy rainfall up to 40 inches in isolated areas, and damaging winds.

Cuban provinces under hurricane warnings include Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin. In Jamaica, the Meteorological Service noted the storm’s northwest shift, leading to catastrophic impacts in western parishes. Network connectivity in Jamaica dropped to 30 percent of normal levels from downed lines and outages.

Medical care in Jamaica remains limited, particularly in rural areas, with slower emergency responses and inadequate facilities for serious illnesses or injuries. Private hospitals demand upfront payment and may lack specialized treatments, while ambulances are frequently understaffed or unavailable.

U.S. citizens should carry extra prescription medications, as common items like insulin are difficult to obtain, and U.S. Medicare or Medicaid does not apply overseas. Air ambulance evacuations to the United States can cost between $30,000 and $50,000, and the Department of State does not cover medical expenses.

Certain areas in Jamaica are designated Level 4, where travel is prohibited due to extreme crime risks. These include:

• Neighborhoods in St. Ann’s Parish, such as Steer Town and the Buckfield neighborhood near Ocho Rios.

• Spanish Town, Central Village, and specific areas in Portmore within St. Catherine’s Parish.

• All of Clarendon Parish except when passing through on the T1 and A2 highways.

• Vineyard District Community between Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna in St. Elizabeth’s Parish.

• Logwood and Orange Bay in Hanover Parish.

• Inland side of the A1 highway and The Queen’s Drive from San San to Harmony Beach Park in St. James Parish/Montego Bay.

• Multiple areas in Kingston and St. Andrew Parish, including Cassava Piece, Duhaney Park, Grants Pen, Standpipe, Swallowfield, Elleston Flats, and downtown Kingston regions.

• Green Vale and Gray Ground neighborhoods in Manchester Parish.

• Black Lane neighborhood in Seaforth, Grands Penn, Church Corner neighborhood near Yallahs, town of Yallahs, except when driving through on the main highway in St. Thomas Parish.

• Clarks Town in Trelawny Parish.

• Russia community in Savanna-la-Mar, Morgan Bay, Kings Valley, The Whitehall, Bethel Town, and Red Ground neighborhoods in Negril within Westmoreland Parish.

U.S. citizens in Jamaica should adhere to local authority instructions, monitor weather reports, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for updates. Avoid public buses, driving between cities at night, and remote areas.

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The security alert notice cited a heightened state of alert, with no further details provided. This measure occurred during the Divali holiday period, observed as a public holiday on October 20.

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U.S. military strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking in Caribbean waters occurred on October 14 and October 16. The October 16 strike involved two survivors from Colombia and Ecuador. No Trinidad and Tobago involvement was reported in that incident.

The embassy recommended monitoring the surroundings and reputable news outlets. Valid U.S. passports are required for citizens traveling to the United States. Reporting of suspicious activity to local authorities was advised.

No additional incidents were noted in the communication. The measure aligned with regional security precautions. Analysis indicates it supplemented existing travel guidance.

Security Alert Details

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Hurricane Erin originated as a tropical wave off the African coast, becoming Tropical Depression Five on August 11 near Cabo Verde and intensifying to Tropical Storm Erin later that day.

Category 1 hurricane status was reached on August 15, with rapid intensification to Category 5 on August 16 before weakening due to an eye-wall replacement cycle. By August 19, vertical wind shear has positioned the low-level center near the northwestern edge of deep convection, with defined banding in the eastern semicircle.

The hurricane's large size has led to expanded wind fields, as indicated by global models. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 80 miles from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 230 miles outward.

Quadrant-specific radii for 34-kt winds include 180 nautical miles northeast and southeast, 150 southwest, and 160 northwest.

Current Position and Conditions

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