State Department urges Americans to leave 14 Middle Eastern countries
By Scott Barkley - Posted at Baptist Press:
Published March 3, 2026
At least 787 people in Iran have been killed since fighting started, the Iranian Red Crescent Society reported. At least six U.S. service members have been killed in action, U.S Central Command (CENTCOM) reported. Reports are coming out that as many as 30,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon due to the fighting.WASHINGTON (BP) – As fighting escalates in the Middle East since U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran began on Feb. 28, so has the number of countries Americans are being advised to leave or avoid.
The U.S. Department of State released a list of 14 countries on March 2, urging American citizens to depart them immediately on available commercial transportation. That joined a list of countries receiving a Level 3 warning, saying Americans should “reconsider travel” to those areas. The U.S. is also working to secure military transportation.
Southern Baptists have joined other church groups that have had to change plans due to the start of Operation Epic Fury. One group of pastors and their wives is scheduled to return to the U.S. today (March 3) after bus rides into southern Egypt and a flight to Cairo.
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