Jordan denies US claim of Aqaba airport, seaport evacuation over security threat

Jordan on Sunday denied a US Embassy claim that authorities had evacuated Aqaba's international airport and seaport over a "specific and credible threat", saying both facilities were operating normally despite heightened regional tensions following the US-Iran conflict.

US embassy issues security warning

The US Embassy in Amman said on X that Jordanian authorities had evacuated the airport and seaport in the Red Sea city of Aqaba because of a "specific and credible threat".

"We strongly advise all Americans to refrain from travelling to either the airport or seaport. Continue to follow all Jordanian authorities' security directives," the embassy said.

The embassy, however, did not specify the nature of the threat or indicate how long the evacuation would remain in effect.

Jordan rejects evacuation claim

Jordanian officials swiftly denied the US Embassy's statement.

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The director general of the Aqaba Company for Ports told Reuters that the Aqaba seaport was functioning normally and had not been evacuated.

State news agency Petra, citing a government spokesperson, also said Jordanian authorities had not detected any potential threats over the past several hours.

Jordan's state-run Al-Mamlaka TV, quoting unnamed sources, reported that both the airport and seaport continued operating without interruption.

Tensions rise after deadly attacks in Jordan

The conflicting statements come as security concerns mount across the region.

On Saturday, US Central Command said two American service members were killed and one remains missing after an Iranian attack on a US base in Jordan on Friday. The attack marked the first US military fatalities since the latest round of fighting with Iran began.

US officials have also reported that dozens of American troops have been injured in Jordan in recent days. In response, Washington has strengthened its military presence by deploying additional fighter jets and aerial refuelling aircraft to the region.

Travel advisory amid regional conflict

The US State Department has urged Americans to reconsider travel to the Middle East, warning of the risk of unpredictable escalation, flight cancellations and periodic airspace closures.

Aqaba, located on Jordan's Red Sea coast, is a key commercial port and transport hub situated near strategic shipping routes and several sensitive regional borders.

The latest developments come as tensions continue to escalate after US strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran against what it says are US military facilities and bases across the region, including in Jordan. The exchange of attacks has continued despite a Pakistan-brokered memorandum of understanding signed in June aimed at ending hostilities and establishing a lasting peace agreement.