US Embassy Warns to Avoid Aqaba, Jordan Denies Evacuation

Jordanian authorities and the U.S. Embassy in Amman offered conflicting accounts regarding security measures at the country's key Red Sea port city of Aqaba on Sunday, July 19, 2026, amid heightened regional tensions following deadly attacks on U.S. forces. The U.S. Embassy stated that Jordanian authorities had evacuated King Hussein International Airport and the Aqaba seaport due to a "specific and credible threat," strongly advising American citizens to avoid both locations. However, the Jordanian government later denied any evacuation had taken place, asserting that both facilities were operating normally.

In a security alert issued Sunday, the U.S. Embassy said the evacuation was a precautionary measure and urged U.S. citizens to continue following all security directives from local authorities. The embassy also reiterated existing guidance for Americans to avoid travel to military bases in Jordan and to exercise increased caution at locations publicly associated with the United States.

Contradicting the embassy's statement, Jordanian government spokesperson Mohammad Al-Momani said no decision to evacuate the airport or seaport had been issued and that no potential threats...