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US Suspends Kuwait Embassy Operations, Urges Americans to Depart

The US Department of State has announced the suspension of operations at its Embassy in Kuwait City. It urged American citizens in Kuwait to depart the country using available transportation options if they can do so safely. The department emphasized that the safety of Americans abroad remains its highest priority, providing emergency contact details for those requiring assistance. This move comes amid escalating regional tensions following recent military strikes and retaliatory attacks.

Key Points: US Halts Kuwait Embassy Ops, Issues Departure Advisory

  • Embassy operations suspended in Kuwait City
  • No injuries to US personnel reported
  • Travel advisory at Level 3: Reconsider Travel
  • Citizens urged to depart using commercial options
  • Enrolment in STEP program encouraged for alerts
3 min read

"Safety of Americans remains highest priority": US suspends operations at its Kuwait embassy

US State Department suspends operations at its Kuwait embassy, urges American citizens to leave the country amid escalating regional tensions.

"the safety and security of Americans overseas remains its highest priority - US State Department"

Washington DC, March 6

The United States Department of State has announced the suspension of operations at its Embassy in Kuwait City, urging American citizens in Kuwait to leave the country.

In a press release, the State Department said that while operations at the embassy have been halted, there have been no reported injuries among US personnel.

"Today, the Department of State announced the suspension of operations at U.S. Embassy Kuwait City," the statement said.

The department emphasised that the safety and security of Americans overseas remains its "highest priority."

"While there have been no reported injuries to the US personnel, the safety of Americans abroad remains the highest priority of the US Department of State," it added.

The State Department also said that the travel advisory for Kuwait remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, advising US citizens to check the latest updates and country-specific information through official channels.

"The Travel Advisory for Kuwait remains at a Level 3: Reconsider Travel. US citizens should consult the most current Travel Advisory and country information at travel.state.gov," the statement said.

In its advisory, the department urged American citizens currently in Kuwait to leave the country. "US citizens in Kuwait should depart the country, if they can do so safely, using commercial or other available transportation options. US citizens unable to depart should shelter in place," the statement noted.

The department also provided emergency contact details for American nationals who may require urgent assistance, including consular services or information regarding departure options.

"US citizens requiring emergency assistance, including consular services and information on available departure options, may contact the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the United States and Canada)," it said.

Additionally, the State Department encouraged US nationals abroad to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows citizens to receive security alerts and updates from nearby US diplomatic missions.

"US citizens are strongly encouraged to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to receive security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate," the statement said.

This comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran.

In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks targeting American military bases across multiple Arab countries as the conflict entered its sixth day.

Israel is also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
It's prudent for the US to suspend operations and prioritize safety. However, the decision to strike Iranian territory directly, targeting the top leadership, seems to have been a major miscalculation that has ignited this wider conflict. The safety of all civilians, not just Americans, in the region should be the concern now.
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Priya S
My cousin is an engineer in Kuwait City. He just messaged saying things are tense but calm for now. The Indian embassy there hasn't issued any advisories yet, but families are worried. Hope our government acts swiftly if needed and doesn't wait for things to get worse. #SafetyFirst
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Vikram M
When superpowers clash, it's smaller nations and expatriate workers who suffer the most. Kuwait hosts lakhs of Indian workers. This conflict could disrupt oil supplies and send global prices soaring, which will hit our economy hard. Diplomacy needs to prevail, and fast.
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Aman W
Respect to the US for having such a clear system for their citizens - STEP enrollment, 24/7 helplines. Our Indian systems need to be equally robust and communicative during crises abroad. We have a huge diaspora in the Gulf. Hope we are learning from such protocols.
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Karthik V
The article mentions the conflict widening to Lebanon. This is getting out of hand. India has traditionally maintained good relations with all sides in the Middle East. This is a critical test for our foreign policy to ensure the safety of Indians and protect our national interests like energy security.

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