US mission in Saudi Arabia urges personnel, citizens exercise 'increased caution'

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US mission to Saudi Arabia advised its personnel and American citizens on Wednesday to exercise "increased caution" in the region amid ongoing tensions.

"U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has advised its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to any military installations in the region," it said in a statement.

The mission recommended that American citizens in the country follow the same precautions and maintain personal safety plans. It said they continue monitoring the regional situation.

The advisory comes as protests have swept Tehran and other Iranian cities since late last month over deteriorating economic conditions and possible US action.

Qatar has also confirmed the departure of some personnel from Al Udeid Air Base.

Tehran has not released official casualty or detention figures but US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates at least 2,500 people have been killed, including protesters and security personnel, with more than 1,100 injured in the nationwide protests.

The group also reported over 18,000 detentions, though these figures remain unverified independently and differ from other estimates.