Lithuanian authorities are advising citizens in the Middle East to remain in place until airspace is reopened amid escalating tensions following military actions involving the US and Iran.
Lithuanian officials are urging citizens currently in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates and Israel, to remain where they are and to strictly follow local authorities' instructions amidst escalating military tensions. The National Crisis Management Centre (NKVC) emphasized the importance of adhering to guidelines such as knowing safe locations, staying indoors, and responding to air raid signals promptly.
The backdrop of this precautionary measure is the recent military operations carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, which reportedly resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The US government has described the military actions as necessary steps to eliminate imminent threats in the region, thus affecting not only regional stability but also the safety of foreign nationals present there.
In the wake of these developments, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry has highlighted the presence of over 1,000 Lithuanians in the United Arab Emirates alone. Officials advise these individuals to remain vigilant and prepared as the situation evolves. The recommendation for Lithuanians to wait for air traffic to resume indicates a careful approach given the rapid developments in regional politics and military engagement, underlining the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad.
