US, French nationals urged to exercise caution in Jordan

AMMAN — The US and French embassies have urged their nationals to exercise caution in Jordan in case of any potential security threats.

“The US embassy is closely coordinating with Jordanian authorities, but at this time the embassy has no specific information on increased potential for threats against US citizens,” the embassy said in a statement on its website dated September 23.

Noting that the US and other partners, including Jordan and France, have launched military action against the Islamic State terrorist group, which currently operates in Syria and Iraq, the embassy urged US citizens in Jordan to “maintain a heightened level of vigilance”.

“US citizens are likely to see an increased police presence at public and diplomatic buildings throughout Jordan.  The embassy will continue to monitor the situation and will provide further advice as available,” the US embassy said.

The French embassy, in a statement on its website and in e-mails and messages, urged its nationals to avoid going to malls at peak hours and not to go to downtown Amman on Fridays.

It also said cities like Maan, Tafileh, Zarqa, Irbid and Karak, should be avoided except in cases of extreme necessity, while French expatriates should — under no circumstances — go to areas near Jordan’s border with Syria.

French citizens were also urged to avoid showing any signs that clearly identify them as French and not to take the same roads on a daily basis.