US issues security alerts for Iran, Iraq, Israel and Jordan, warns of missile attacks

By Ryan Patrick Jones and Doina Chiacu

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. State Department issued security alerts on Friday for several Middle Eastern countries, in some cases advising against travel and warning of possible missile attacks after Israel launched military strikes against Iran.

It warned American citizens not to travel to Iran and said those there should leave. "U.S. citizens who are unable to depart Iran should shelter in place," the advisory read.

The alerts warned of missiles, drones or rockets flying over Iraqi and Jordanian airspace. "In the event of such an incident seek overhead cover and shelter in place. Do not expose yourself to falling debris," the department said.

Israel said on Friday it had targeted Iran's nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders at the start of what it warned would be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.

Iran promised a harsh response to the onslaught. Israel said about 100 drones had been launched towards Israeli territory in retaliation, although an Iranian source denied this.

Airlines steered clear of much of the Middle East on Friday after the Israeli attacks forced carriers to cancel or divert thousands of flights in the latest upheaval to travel in the region.

Late on Thursday, the State Department said it had directed all U.S. government employees and their family members in Israel to shelter in place until further notice.

(Reporting by Ryan Patrick Jones and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Howard Goller)