In response to reports of an Israeli strike on Iran, Australia has advised its citizens to leave Israel "if it is safe to do so".
“There’s a high threat of military reprisals & terrorist attacks against Israel & Israeli interests across the region. The security situation could deteriorate quickly," the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated on its Smartraveller account on X.
There’s a high threat of military reprisals & terrorist attacks against Israel & Israeli interests across the region. The security situation could deteriorate quickly. We urge Australians in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories to depart if it's safe to do so. (1/3)
— Smartraveller (@Smartraveller) April 19, 2024
It went on, “We urge Australians in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories to depart if its safe to do so."
Additionally, it alerted local Australians to impending airspace closures, cancelled flights, and other travel disruptions. "Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport may pause operations due to heightened security concerns at any time, and at short notice," the advisory said.
It further said that terrorist attacks could occur anywhere at any time, adding that there were ongoing threats of rocket attacks. "Be alert to personal safety risks," it warned.
Also Read: Israel has attacked Iran, US officials claim; Iran denies
"We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel overall due to the volatile security situation including the threat of terrorism, armed conflict and civil unrest. We continue to advise do not travel to Gaza, border areas with Gaza, border areas with Lebanon closed by Israeli authorities and the West Bank (excluding East Jerusalem), due to the volatile security situation," the statement mentioned.
Earlier on Friday, US officials claimed that an Israeli missile had hit Iran. However, Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, citing "reliable sources", said the “strong sounds heard in several regions of the country were a result of air defence being activated to counter several unidentified mini-drones."
Iranian state TV said that three drones were seen flying over the city of Isfahan at around 12:30GMT. The drones were then destroyed when the nation's air defense system was triggered, according to Reuters.
Iran is on high alert following Israel's declaration on Saturday night that it would retaliate against an Iranian attack.
