USA warns its citizens around the world: "Be vigilant"
The State Department called on American citizens around the world to exercise increased vigilance against the backdrop of tensions in the Middle East and fears of escalation. Hours later, two American tourists were stabbed near the Acropolis in Athens, but Greek authorities clarified that there is no indication of a link between the incident and terrorism or the warning.
The US Department of State has issued a global security alert for US citizens and called on them to exercise increased vigilance in light of the tensions in the Middle East and fears of an unexpected escalation. A few hours after the warning was published, two American tourists were stabbed near the Acropolis in Athens, in an incident that Greek authorities clarified has no indication of a link to terrorism or the warning.
The State Department's statement said that the security environment remains "complex" and that there is a possibility of sudden escalation. The warning is primarily intended for Americans staying in the Middle East, but emphasizes that US diplomatic facilities and places identified with the country could become targets in other parts of the world as well.
As part of the guidelines, US citizens in the Middle East were called upon to exercise extra caution and prepare for the possibility of flight cancellations, airspace closures, and other traffic disruptions. At the same time, it was recommended to reconsider travel to and through the Middle East.
Shortly after the warning was published, a stabbing incident was reported near the Acropolis in Athens. According to the police, a man armed with a knife attacked two American tourists without prior provocation. A woman was wounded in her thigh, while the man accompanying her was wounded in his wrist while trying to protect her.
Medical teams provided treatment to the two at the scene and evacuated them to a hospital in Athens. Authorities stated that their injuries are not life-threatening.
The suspect, a 60-year-old Greek man, was arrested at the scene. According to reports, he likely suffers from mental health issues and may be homeless. It was also reported that he had previously been arrested for abusive behavior and possession of a knife.
Authorities in Greece emphasized that there is no indication of a link between the stabbing incident and the US security warning or terrorism. However, the State Department noted that US facilities around the world have been attacked in the past, and warned that Iran and organizations that support it may attempt to harm American interests and sites identified with the United States and its citizens outside the country's borders.
