US advises citizens to leave Kuwait immediately as missile and drone threats disrupt evacuation plans
WEB DESK: The United States has suspended operations at its embassy in Kuwait City as regional tensions surge following escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The United States Department of State confirmed the suspension after a series of retaliatory Iranian missile and drone attacks raised serious security concerns for American diplomatic personnel and citizens across the Gulf.
Officials said the embassy has halted both routine and emergency consular services “until further notice.” No U.S. diplomats were reported injured, but the move follows several incidents near the embassy compound earlier this week.
Witnesses reported smoke rising near the area after strikes hit nearby locations, including a port facility where six American soldiers were reportedly killed by an Iranian drone attack on Sunday.
Evacuations Complicated by Airspace Closure
Evacuation efforts have become increasingly difficult after Kuwait closed its airspace due to ongoing threats from missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. With commercial flights suspended, many Americans have been unable to leave the country.
The State Department has advised U.S. citizens who cannot depart to shelter in place, remain indoors, stock essential supplies and avoid windows or exterior walls.
Wider Diplomatic Withdrawals
The shutdown in Kuwait follows similar closures of U.S. diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. Washington has also ordered the evacuation of non-essential staff and families from several regional countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq and Qatar.
The escalation follows joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian military targets that reportedly damaged missile and nuclear facilities and killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Air raid sirens have repeatedly sounded across Kuwait in recent days, highlighting growing fears of further missile and drone attacks across the Gulf. U.S. officials say contingency plans, including military aircraft and charter flights, are being explored to help evacuate Americans as the crisis rapidly unfolds.
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