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As tensions rise in West Asia amid the strike and counter-strike fiasco, the US Embassy in Muscat on Tuesday instructed its staff to take cover (shelter-in-place).
The alert also urged all Americans in the country to do the same until further notice. "Due to ongoing activity, the US Embassy in Oman has instructed staff to shelter-in-place (i.e., take cover). We recommend all Americans in Oman do the same until further notice," the US Embassy in Muscat posted on X. The embassy's directive calls on US citizens to immediately find a secure location within their residence or another safe building and remain there. Americans are advised to prepare by having essential supplies on hand, including food, water, and medications. "Monitor media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Keep your phone charged and maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest updates on security in Oman," the embassy said. Earlier, the US issued an urgent advisory asking American citizens to "depart now" from over a dozen Middle Eastern countries due to "serious safety risks". Sharing a video message in a post on X, Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged its citizens to immediately depart from several Middle Eastern countries. The advisory, updated on March 2 at 4 pm EST, applies to Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Lebanon, Iran, Oman, Iraq, Qatar, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that six US service members have been killed in action amid ongoing hostilities in the Middle East following Iran's initial attacks in the region. The conflict in the Middle East has entered its fourth day following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, along with other key figures in the Persian Gulf country. In retaliation, Tehran has responded with counter-strikes targeting American military bases and other Israeli assets across the region. (ANI)
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