WASHINGTON, DC – As conflict in the Middle East spreads and with many Americans stranded abroad, the U.S. State Department has urged Americans in more than a dozen countries in the Middle East to leave immediately via commercial means due to “serious safety risks” amid U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), is urging Rhode Islanders to heed the State Department’s directive and depart the region as quickly and safely as possible and is actively working to assist Rhode Islanders. Reed says the Trump Administration’s failure to plan for and immediately offer assistance to U.S. nationals in the region demonstrates a lack of planning. But he urges Rhode Islanders to register their presence with the State Department’s website and closely monitor travel guidance.

“My priority is getting people to safety as swiftly as possible. Any Rhode Islanders who need help can contact my office for assistance. I am always here to serve Rhode Islanders,” said Reed.

On Monday, the U.S. State Department advised any American currently in the following countries to depart immediately: Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

After the U.S. Embassy in Saudia Arabia was struck by a drone, the State Department also ordered the mandatory departure of non-emergency personnel and family members from Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jordan. Similar measures were already taken for American personnel at U.S. missions in Lebanon and Israel.

U.S. embassies abroad are supposed to assist Americans overseas, but the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem issued a statement saying it was unable to offer assistance to Americans trying to leave.

“Unfortunately, the Trump Administration failed to do its part to plan for this and ensure there was a system in place to get Americans out as quickly and safely as possible. Other countries seem to have it figured out, but the U.S. State Department waited until two days after bombs were dropping to warn citizens to evacuate. And with closed airspace, limited flights, and ticket prices soaring, people have fewer options and are having to fend for themselves in a stressful and dangerous environment. It just shows a lack of foresight and strategy that is all too common with this administration,” Reed continued.

It is estimated that several hundred thousand U.S. nationals are living or travelling in the Middle East. And at least 11,000 flights departing from and arriving in the Middle East have been canceled since Saturday, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

The State Department created a task force to help U.S. citizens and is in the planning stages of organizing evacuation flights in the region, but has yet to bring any Americans home via evacuation flights.

Americans in the Middle East may contact the State Department 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-202-501-4444. Americans in the U.S. or Canada can call: 1-888-407-4747.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the U.S. State Department can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency.

Senator Reed says Rhode Islanders needing assistance may contact his office by calling (401) 943-3100; or by visiting www.reed.senate.gov.