Deadly security risks prompt updated travel warnings for 13 countries

The U.S. State Department has updated travel advisories for several Middle Eastern countries, warning of potential armed attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi forces and threats targeting Americans.

Five countries — Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen — are listed under the department's highest advisory level, Level 4, which warns Americans not to travel.

Eight others, including Israel, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, are designated Level 3, urging travelers to reconsider their plans.

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While the advisory levels largely remained unchanged, all 13 advisories were updated on Friday. 

The advisories cited recent attacks by Iranian-supported Houthis, including strikes on Riyadh's airport in Saudi Arabia and "other critical infrastructure," the department said.

The attacks have resulted in civilian deaths and widespread travel disruptions, with the State Department warning that the hostilities "have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area."

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Americans traveling to the region also face additional risks, including health concerns in Iraq and Yemen, officials said.

Kidnapping and hostage-taking were listed as additional concerns in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, according to the State Department.

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Civil unrest was also cited as a risk in Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.

The State Department encourages Americans traveling to these countries to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts and updates from U.S. embassies.

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Americans are also urged to monitor local news, prepare to shelter in place if conditions worsen and have an emergency departure plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.

Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for additional information.

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The updates follow several other recent travel warnings issued by the State Department.

Last week, the State Department raised its travel advisory for Kenya from Level 2, "Exercise Increased Caution," to Level 3, "Reconsider Travel," citing health risks, crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism.

At around the same time, officials warned Americans traveling to China of the risk of wrongful detention, electronic surveillance and restrictions that could prevent them from leaving the country.