The government has issued a safety advisory to Kenyan nationals residing in Israel and Iran as the conflict between the two nations continues to escalate to worrying levels.
Since June 13, the conflict between the two Middle Eastern nations has intensified significantly, as both nations are now engaging in large-scale military operations.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 18, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs urged Kenyans who find themselves in the two warring countries to exercise extreme caution and prioritise their personal safety.
“In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs issues the following urgent advisory to all Kenyan nationals in Israel and Iran,” the advisory reads.
The government also issued specific instructions to Kenyans in the two countries, warning them against non-essential movement. Citizens have also been urged to closely monitor local media and alerts and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
In the advisory, the Ministry also emphasised the importance of emergency preparedness, with Kenyans being urged to ensure they have essential documents and supplies readily available in the event of unprecedented strikes in the region they reside in.
Further, the Ministry also released contact details for Kenyan embassies, both in Tel Aviv and Tehran. In Iran, the Kenya Embassy can be reached via +98 21 88667394 or +98 21 88667368.
The government also provided contact details for Kenyan embassies in both Tel Aviv and Tehran, encouraging nationals to reach out in case of distress or urgent assistance. In Iran, the Kenya Embassy can be reached via +98 21 88667394 or +98 21 88667368.
Dig deeper; Israel initially launched a comprehensive airstrike campaign dubbed "Operation Rising Lion," targeting over 100 Iranian military and nuclear facilities, including sites in Tehran, Isfahan, and Natanz, resulting in the deaths of at least 224 individuals and the destruction of critical infrastructure.
Iran, in retaliation, launched their own campaign dubbed "Operation True Promise III," firing more than 150 ballistic missiles and over 100 drones at Israeli targets, including military bases and airfields, leading to 22 Israeli casualties.
Significant displacement has also been experienced in Iran as a result of the conflict, with reports suggesting over 100,000 residents fled Tehran after several Israeli evacuation warnings.
Amid escalating conflict, the U.S, which has been flirting with the idea of backing Israel, has been warned by Iran that any involvement would lead to 'irreparable damage.' Meanwhile, Israel is still launching attacks targeting Iranian assets to disrupt the country's nuclear power.
