State Department updates advisories for 13 countries

The U.S. State Department updated travel advisories for 13 Middle Eastern countries, warning Americans of armed attacks, kidnapping risks and escalating violence after recent strikes by Iranian-backed Houthi forces. Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen were placed at Level 4, advising against travel; eight other countries, including Israel, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, were listed at Level 3, urging travelers to reconsider plans.