S’poreans in Middle East urged to stay safe, monitor developments amid US-Israel attacks on Iran
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The embassies also advised Singaporeans there to exercise caution and stay updated on regional developments amid heightened tensions.
PHOTO: AFP
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SINGAPORE – Singaporeans are advised to defer all travel to Israel, Iran and the Middle East region in view of the volatile security situation and disruptions to flights to the region, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
“In addition, Singaporean travellers may wish to consider alternative travel arrangements that do not involve transits through the region due to potential disruptions arising from airspace closures or flight cancellations,” it said in a statement on Feb 28.
“Travellers are also strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance.”
The ministry said Singaporeans residing or transiting in the Middle East are advised to take all necessary precautions for their personal safety, including staying indoors, proceeding to a safe shelter when alerted, monitoring the news closely, and heeding the local government’s advice.
“There are currently no reports of Singaporean casualties in Israel, Iran and the wider Middle East region,” it added.
Singapore embassies in the Middle East also advised Singaporeans there to exercise caution, stay updated on regional developments and heed the advice of the local governments, after the US and Israel launched a wave of strikes in Iran on Feb 28.
In a Facebook post that day, the Singapore Embassy in Doha said the Qatari authorities had issued the following alert: “Everyone must comply and stay in their homes or a safe place, and not go out except for extreme necessity until the danger has passed.
“For public safety, we urge everyone to stay away from the vicinity of military sites and remain indoors, whether at home or elsewhere, and not to go out or move around except when absolutely necessary to avoid any risks.”
The Singapore Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate-General in Dubai, also in a Facebook post on Feb 28, said it was aware of reports of explosions in Abu Dhabi. “Singaporeans in the United Arab Emirates are advised to remain indoors, stay in a safe location, and avoid unnecessary travel until further notice,” it said.
The Singapore Embassy in Cairo, in a Facebook post at about 5.30pm, said flights to and from the region may be affected, and advised Singaporeans to check with airlines for the latest travel information.
Six Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights on Feb 28 and March 1 are among flights bound for or from destinations in the Middle East that have been cancelled.
The embassies added that they are monitoring the situation in the region closely, and advised Singaporeans to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to remain contactable. This can be done at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg
Those who need consular assistance can also contact MFA on +65-6379-8800/8855.
Israel on Feb 28 launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, pushing the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation. US President Donald Trump also said the US had begun “major combat operations” in Iran.
This comes after Mr Trump on Feb 24 briefly laid out his case for a possible attack on Iran in his State of the Union address to Congress.
On Feb 25, MFA advised Singaporeans to leave Iran while flights remain available, amid heightened regional tensions and public demonstrations there.
Besides the US, other countries like Britain, China and India have advised their citizens or diplomats to leave some parts of the Middle East, including Beirut and Tel Aviv. Australia, Poland, Finland and Sweden are also advising citizens to leave the region.
