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When Danger Strikes, the Embassy Speaks. Over the decades, the US has issued urgent warnings whenever conditions in a country have become so perilous that its citizens cannot remain. From civil wars to sudden uprisings, these alerts have forced Americans to pack up and leave at once. In this gallery, we revisit 15 dramatic moments when the US Embassy told its citizens: get out now.
Middle East (2026)
The US is arranging the evacuation of citizens from parts of the Middle East as conflict involving Iran escalates, with charter flights departing from certain countries. Some Americans are unable to leave due to airspace closures and limited assistance. The conflict with Iran began on February 28, when US and Israeli airstrikes were reported on multiple sites across the country, resulting in the reported death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials.
Venezuela (2026)
The US advised citizens to begin evacuating Venezuela following reports of pro-government paramilitaries targeting Americans, establishing checkpoints, and searching vehicles after a US-led operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro on January 3.
Afghanistan, 2021
On August 7, 2021, the US Embassy urged its citizens to leave Afghanistan immediately and indicated no official US evacuation was in progress, advising them to use any available commercial flights.
Afghanistan, 2021
As US and NATO forces withdrew, the Taliban gained ground, and the US Embassy advised Americans to depart to avoid conflict.
Ukraine, 2022
In February 2022, the US Embassy advised Americans to leave Ukraine as Russia increased its military presence. US assessments warned an invasion was likely.
Sudan, 2023
In April 2023, the US Embassy in Khartoum advised citizens to leave Sudan due to fighting between military forces. The situation was described as dangerous and unpredictable.
Haiti, 2023
In August 2023, the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince told Americans to leave due to rising gang violence and civil unrest in Haiti, including kidnappings and violence.
Ethiopia
The US Embassy advised Americans to leave Ethiopia in November 2021 due to the ongoing conflict between government forces and Tigray rebels, impacting safety.
Yemen, 2015
The US Embassy suspended operations in Yemen in 2015 and urged American citizens to leave the country due to escalating violence and the Houthi rebel takeover of the capital. In 2015, Yemen was in severe conflict between the Houthis and the government led by President Hadi. The US Embassy issued a warning due to immediate risks to civilians and foreign nationals.
Libya, 2014
In July 2014, the US Embassy in Tripoli suspended operations and urged Americans to leave due to Libya’s civil conflict and competing militias.
South Sudan, 2016
In July 2016, the US Embassy in Juba recommended that American citizens leave South Sudan due to renewed violence in the capital and warned that evacuation assistance might be limited. South Sudan faced ongoing instability and violence in 2016, especially in July, following clashes between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those loyal to then-Vice President Riek Machar.
Venezuela
In January 2019, the US Embassy in Caracas advised Americans to leave due to unrest and political instability affecting their safety.
Iraq, 2020s
On January 3, 2020, a US drone strike killed Qasem Soleimani. The US Embassy then urged Americans to leave Iraq.
Syria
In February 2012, the US Embassy suspended operations in Syria and urged Americans to leave as the civil war escalated, creating risks for civilians.
Burkina Faso, 2022
After a military coup in January 2022, the US Embassy in Burkina Faso advised Americans to leave due to insecurity and uncertain consular support.
Lebanon
In 2006, the US Embassy advised American citizens to leave Lebanon during the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. In July 2006, Hezbollah militants launched a cross-border raid into Israel and captured two Israeli soldiers, prompting Israeli military operations in Lebanon. American citizens were advised to depart due to heightened security concerns.
Central African Republic, 2013
In December 2013, the US Embassy urged Americans to leave the Central African Republic due to civil unrest, violence, and political instability after a coup.
Zimbabwe, 2008
The US Embassy advised American citizens to leave Zimbabwe in 2008 due to political unrest and violence related to the presidential election. The 2008 election between President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was highly contentious. During the period between voting, the country experienced increased political violence, prompting the embassy to issue its advisory.
Sources: (US Department of State) (US Embassy) (CNN)
