U.S. Embassy Cites Aqaba Evacuation Threat, Jordan Says Facilities Operate Normally
The Minister of Government Communication of Jordan announced that relevant authorities issued no evacuation decisions for Aqaba Airport or the seaport.
JORDAN — On Sunday the U.S. Embassy Amman cited a specific and credible threat that prompted Jordanian authorities to evacuate the international airport and seaport in Aqaba, and strongly advised all Americans to refrain from travel to either facility.
It continues to advise Americans to avoid travel to military bases in Jordan. The same day Jordan’s Minister of Government Communication and official government spokesperson Mohammad Al Momani announced that relevant authorities issued no evacuation decisions for Aqaba Airport or the seaport, that both facilities operate normally, and that no potential threats registered with competent Jordanian authorities in recent hours.
The U.S. Embassy Amman security alert of July 19 referenced the March 2 ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members from Jordan due to safety risks.
The Department of State travel advisory for Jordan remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, citing terrorism and armed conflict. That advisory notes the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran and the ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks with significant disruptions to commercial flights.
On July 17, CENTCOM reported two U.S. service members killed in action in Jordan and one missing while U.S. and partner forces responded to Iranian ballistic-missile and drone attacks.
Four American service members were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals and have since been discharged. Other personnel evaluated for minor injuries returned to duty.
Embassy guidance has repeatedly advised avoidance of military bases amid such incidents.