Israel: US Embassy issues travel warning for Golan Heights May 8

Event

On Tuesday, May 8, the US Embassy in Israel issued a travel warning for the Golan Heights, requiring US government employees to obtain approval in advance to travel to the region. The announcement comes amid recent heightened tensions in the region after Israel Defense Forces (IDF) requested that authorities in the Golan Heights open missile shelters, among other precautions, due to reportedly irregular activity of Iranian troops in Syria. On Wednesday, May 9, the IDF said that the Golan Heights was not under threat of attack, and encouraged residents in the area to resume normal activities. 

Context

The US Embassy warning comes amid a volley of suspected Israeli airstrikes, which reportedly hit an Iran-linked military post in Al-Kiswah (south of Damascus) on May 8, killing at least 15 pro-Syrian government fighters, including at least eight Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) personnel, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Syria remains enmeshed in a complex civil war that started between the Assad government and opposition forces in March 2011. Today, the conflict in Syria involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including the Islamic State) with competing goals.

Advice

Individuals in the Golan Heights are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. 

Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.