Trump Heads Back to Washington as US Warns of Rapid Middle East Escalation

WASHINGTON, Sep 20: US President Donald Trump cut short his weekend stay at Camp David and was expected to return to the White House late Saturday, according to a White House pool report.

The White House updated Trump’s schedule to show his return to Washington aboard Marine One. The presidential helicopter was expected to arrive at the Ellipse at about 7 p.m. local time (2300 GMT), USA Today reporter Joey Garrison reported.

The White House did not provide a reason for the change in Trump’s schedule.

Earlier Saturday, a NORAD F-16 fighter jet intercepted a general aviation aircraft that entered restricted airspace over Thurmont, Maryland, near Camp David, where Trump had been staying. The aircraft was safely escorted from the area.

The 1st Air Force said the incident posed no danger to people on the ground and did not indicate a threat to Trump or the presidential retreat.

The development came as the US State Department issued a travel warning amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, urging Americans outside the region to seriously reconsider travel to and through the area.

The State Department’s Travel.Gov account said Americans in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance and prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other disruptions.

“Due to tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation,” the agency said.

The State Department also warned that Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks involving civilian airports, and said the conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly.

It further cautioned that Iran and groups supporting it may target US interests, businesses and institutions, as well as locations associated with Americans around the world.