Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for missile attacks near the U.S. consulate in Erbil, Iraq, targeting what it alleged were Israeli "spy headquarters." The strikes resulted in casualties, but no Americans were harmed, and U.S. facilities were unaffected. Tehran also conducted strikes in Syria, citing retribution for recent terror attacks in Iran. The attacks are seen as retaliation for previous blasts near the tomb of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, which were claimed by ISIS.
Explosions near the U.S. Consulate in Erbil, Iraq were claimed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard, targeting "the headquarters of spies" and "anti-Iranian terrorist gatherings." Four people were killed in the bombings, but no coalition or American forces were harmed. Additionally, three drones were shot down near Erbil airport, leading to a halt in air traffic. The situation is ongoing, and updates are expected.
The U.S. Consulate is strongly advising against travel to Rocky Point, Sonora, due to the closure of the Lukeville-Sonoyta port of entry from Arizona. Americans are urged to only travel in Sonora during daylight and not to use alternate routes through the state. The closure of the port means that Arizonans are being urged not to drive to Rocky Point at all. The advisory also highlights the high crime and kidnapping rates in Sonora.
A shootout near the U.S. Consulate in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, resulted in the death of a security guard and the gunman. The motive for the attack is unknown, and the gunman has not been identified. No U.S. personnel were harmed in the incident. The consulate has been targeted in the past, and the Saudi authorities are currently investigating the incident.
A shootout occurred outside the US Consulate building in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, resulting in the death of an armed man and a Nepalese security guard. Investigations are ongoing, and the State Department has not yet commented on the incident. Tensions between the US and Saudi Arabia have been rising, with the Saudi government seeking closer ties with Russia and China amid disagreements with the Biden administration.
Two staff members of the US Consulate in Nigeria were among the four people killed in an attack on an American convoy in the country's southeast. The victims were killed by people linked with criminal groups, and their bodies were later set on fire. The State Department is investigating the incident, and no US citizens were involved or hurt.
Russia's FSB security service has charged a former employee of the US consulate in Vladivostok, Robert Shonov, with illegal covert collaboration with foreigners, punishable by up to eight years' jail time. The US embassy in Moscow said it was aware of the reports but had "nothing further to share at this time". The US consulate in Vladivostok has been closed since December 2020.
