U.S. Warns Against Aqaba Airport and Port; Jordan Denies Evacuation Order

The U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan, reported on July 19 (local time) that Jordanian authorities had issued an evacuation order for the international airport and port in the Red Sea city of Aqaba.

However, Jordanian authorities have denied this claim.

The U.S. Embassy announced the warning via X (formerly Twitter), explaining that it was based on a specific and credible threat.

The embassy advised, "All U.S. citizens should refrain from traveling to the airport or port," and also urged them to avoid visiting military bases within Jordan.

This notice is interpreted as a reflection of heightened vigilance following the recent intensification of armed conflict between the United States and Iran, and the increased intensity of Iranian retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. assets in the Middle East.

In response, Jordanian government spokesperson Mohammad Al-Momani stated that "no evacuation order has been issued for Aqaba Airport or the port," and that these facilities are operating normally, according to the state-run Petra news agency.

Spokesperson Al-Momani also drew a line, stating that no potential threats had been detected over the past several hours.

The U.S. Central Command previously announced on July 17 that Iran had attacked the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Azraq, Jordan, using ballistic missiles and drones, resulting in the death of two U.S. service members and the disappearance of one.

The Gulf of Aqaba, surrounded by Jordan, Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, connects to the Red Sea.

Recently, there have also been observations regarding the possibility that Iran may mobilize Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea region.

The U.S. Department of State previously issued an evacuation advisory for U.S. government employees and their families stationed in Jordan on March 2.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.