The United States on Sunday issued a new security advisory for its citizens in Jordan, warning of a “specific and credible” threat targeting the Red Sea port city of Aqaba and stating that the airport and port had been evacuated. Jordanian authorities immediately denied any evacuation, saying both facilities remain open and operational.
Aqaba: US alert, Jordanian denial
The US Embassy in Amman advised Americans to avoid Aqaba’s airport and seaport but did not specify the nature or source of the threat. Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad Al‑Momani replied in writing that “no potential threat has been detected by the competent Jordanian authorities in recent hours” and that “the airport and port are operating normally.” The two statements are directly at odds on the operational status of Aqaba’s key infrastructure.
Guidance for US citizens
The advisory reiterates and strengthens earlier recommendations: avoid military bases in Jordan, steer clear of protests and large gatherings, monitor local media, and follow instructions from Jordanian authorities. The embassy also urged travelers whose flights may be affected to contact their airlines and encouraged enrollment in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and facilitate contact in an emergency. The notice recalls that on March 2, 2026, the US State Department ordered non‑essential government personnel and their families to depart Jordan for security reasons.
A tense regional context
The alert comes amid escalating regional tensions tied to the growing confrontation between the United States and Iran. US forces said on Saturday that two American service members were killed in Jordan and a third was missing following an attack attributed to Iran. Jordan has also reported recent interceptions of Iranian missiles that crossed its airspace, highlighting the pressure on the country as a neighboring transit zone.
The US Embassy provided no further details about the “credible threat” cited in its advisory, and Jordanian officials have not released information on checks performed to verify the absence of a threat. Aqaba—an important node for trade and tourism—remains a focal point for local and foreign authorities and for residents and visitors in the area.
What happens next will depend on forthcoming official statements. Travelers in and around Aqaba should follow communications from local authorities and airlines as regional tensions continue to leave security conditions uncertain.
