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.
The International Mission Board sent the following statement to Baptist Press on the fighting’s impact on IMB work.
“We celebrate the blessing of having Southern Baptist personnel who live and work to share the gospel around the world,” it read. “In light of various challenges unfolding globally in recent days, we are grateful to God that we can confirm our personnel are unharmed and safe. We urge you to pray for them, for national believers, and for the lost who so desperately need the Lord. Thank you for caring so deeply about these people and our work!”
A recently-updated IMB Prayer Guide focuses on the Middle East, joining other prayer guides.
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.
Iran has since returned fire, launching missiles into Tel Aviv that caused minor injuries and scattered debris. Iran-friendly militias and Hezbollah struck U.S. bases and fired drones into northern Israel. Other attacks extend to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.