WASHINGTON: The State Department is preparing to order the departure of all nonessential personnel from the US Embassy in Baghdad due to the potential for regional unrest, two US officials said Wednesday.
The Baghdad embassy has already been on limited staffing, and the order will not affect a large number of personnel, but the department also is authorizing the departure of nonessential personnel and family members from Bahrain and Kuwait.
That gives them an option on whether to leave the country.
The Pentagon is standing by to support a potential evacuation of US personnel from US Embassy Baghdad, another US official said.
Also on Wednesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said in an advisory note that it was aware of increased tensions in the Middle East which could lead to an escalation of military activity having a direct impact on mariners.
The UKMTO advised vessels to use caution when passing through the Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and Straits of Hormuz.
The UKMTO, which gathers reports on threats to shipping, did not specify the nature of the increase in tensions that prompted its alert.
“Israel-affiliated merchant shipping is assessed to be at heightened risk of reciprocal military action,” British maritime security company Ambrey said separately on Wednesday.
“Substantial US support to Israeli offensive action would raise the risk to US shipping and vessels carrying US cargo.”
* With AP and Reuters
