UNITED States military bases in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands have raised their threat levels as tensions escalate in the Middle East following American strikes on Iran.
Officials stressed there was no specific threat to the region, but base personnel and visitors could expect heightened random anti-terrorism measures and possible adjustments to access procedures.
The move comes as US Pacific territory leaders with strong military ties voiced support for service members deployed overseas.
Meanwhile, Pacific governments have advised their citizens to refrain from travelling to the Middle East and continue to monitor the situation from their embassies in the region.
The Vanuatu Consulate General Office in Dubai has been instructed to close for the safety of the staff. It will remain closed with staff staying home until the situation improve.
Vanuatu’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly advised all Vanuatu nationals and passport holders to refrain from traveling to Israel and the broader Middle East region until further notice.
In Tonga, the government has urged citizens in the Middle East to seek immediate shelter during emergency alerts and to register with its embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Tongan nationals in the region have been strongly advised to take shelter in the nearest secure building whenever emergency sirens sound or official alerts are issued, including notifications from the Ministry of Interior in the United Arab Emirates.
Papua New Guinea has issued similar advice to its citizens and travellers, while Fiji has reported through its Jerusalem embassy that all Fijians in Israel are safe.