A WORLDWIDE travel caution has come into force as the US braces for Iran’s response to the strikes against its nuclear sites.
Police officers have been observed patrolling the streets of New York City, while Secret Service members maintained watch in Washington DC following the attacks.
B-2 warplanes dropped 14 bunker-buster bombs and submarines fired Tomahawk missiles on Saturday night as three facilities were targeted.
Around 125 aircraft was involved in the military operation.
Trump claimed the targets were obliterated in the raids, while Tehran’s clerical-military regime promised “everlasting consequences.”
Cities across the US are on high alert and State Department officials have issued a travel warning.
The agency has warned Americans to be cautious when traveling abroad.
“There is potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad,” the notice said.
Airlines are avoiding airspace over the Middle East following the barrage.
Planes are re-routing as they decide not to fly over countries such as Iraq, Iran, Syria and Israel.
Some are diverting routes to fly south through Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Chiefs at major airlines such as United and American Airlines decided to suspend flights to Qatar and Dubai.
Government officials in Turkey have been urged to keep a low profile.
Travelers have been warned that protests against the strikes could turn violent at any point, according to the US Embassy.
Cops on the beat have been trying to quell any disorder after anti-war demonstrations erupted across the country.
Rallies took place in Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Portland and Washington DC.
Some of the demonstrators decided to carry placards calling for the US forces to stay out of the conflict between Israel and Iran.
State Department’s travel advisory
In response to the attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, the State Department has issued a travel advisory for American citizens.
“The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East,” the notice says
“There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad.
“The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution.”
Source: State Department
A rally in Chicago saw between 100 and 125 people demonstrate against the strikes.
Demonstrators chanted pro-Palestinian and anti-war slogans.
Protests erupted just weeks after demonstrations against ICE immigration raids were seen across the US.
Los Angeles saw around five nights of demonstrations.
Secret Service agents were seen standing guard at Lafayette Park in Washington DC on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, police were seen near religious sites.
Karen Bass, the city’s mayor, warned the public they would see an increased law enforcement presence.
“There are currently no credible threats identified. However, as a precaution, the LAPD is increasing patrols near places of worship, community gathering locations, and other sensitive areas,” she communicated online.
“We will remain vigilant in protecting our communities.”
A similar message was echoed by the New York Police Department.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we’re deploying additional resources to religious, cultural, and diplomatic sites across NYC and coordinating with our federal partners,” the agency said.
“We’ll continue to monitor for any potential impact to NYC.”
ANTI-WAR PROTESTS
A protest took place in New York City on Sunday – just days after Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student, was released from an immigration detention facility.
Demonstrators celebrated Khalil’s release as they held up signs and waved the Palestinian flag.
Some protesters used the chance to protest against the immigration raids that had been taking place.
New York cops were seen forming a barrier as protesters demonstrated outside the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
There was a beefed up presence as rally-goers gathered in Union Square before they started marching to Moynihan Train Hall.
Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz, also put the state on high alert.
“While there’s no known threats at this time, we’ll continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly,” he said.
SECURITY FEARS
Meanwhile, Homeland Security officials have warned how Iranian cybercriminals could target infrastructure.
And, they have also warned about the risk of terrorist attacks carried out by lone wolves.
JD Vance, the vice president, warned the Iranian regime about attacking American forces stationed in the Middle East.
Iran has reportedly threatened to unleash sleeper cells in the US, according to NBC News reports.
The attack plan, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, saw a fleet of B-2 bombers leave a Missouri airbase and fly over the Atlantic to carry out the bombings.
The planes refueled while in the air, and submarines fired 30 Tomahawks at Iran’s Natanz and Isfahan facilities.
A total of 14 bunker busting bombs were dropped on the mountain fortress Fordow.
The facility is buried beneath 300 feet of rock and steel and Israeli forces hadn’t even targeted it.
Satellite pictures showed the Fordow facility after the blitz.
Decoy planes were even flown to the military base Diego Garcia.
“Our B-2s went in and out and back without the world knowing at all,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said.
Trump has ordered Iran to make peace quickly in a blistering warning.
