US urges Americans in Middle East to exercise 'heightened vigilance'

The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs warned Americans in the Middle East to "exercise heightened vigilance due to the complex security environment," saying Iran or its proxies could target Americans or U.S. interests "throughout the world."

"Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions," the department said on Monday. "The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area."