IRGC Warns Civilians to Keep Distance from US Troop Locations in Middle East

BEIJING (Reuters) - The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a stark warning on Thursday, urging civilians across the region hosting American military forces to immediately maintain a distance of at least 500 meters from locations where U.S. personnel are stationed.

The directive, released by IRGC officials early in the morning local time, states that the safety measure is necessary for the protection of local populations against potential escalation or collateral damage resulting from ongoing regional tensions. The warning does not specify which countries or facilities fall under this restriction but applies broadly to areas where American troops are known or suspected to be present.

"For your own safety," the statement read, "civilians must stay at least 500 meters away from locations housing U.S. military personnel." The IRGC emphasized that these sites may not always be publicly identified and could include undisclosed facilities used for temporary lodging or operational command centers.

The warning comes amid a period of heightened friction between Iran-backed militias and American forces in the Middle East. While the United States has maintained a significant footprint across several nations to support coalition operations, specific locations of troop concentrations are often classified or kept out of public view to prevent targeting by adversarial groups.

Local authorities in affected regions have not yet issued official statements regarding the IRGC's directive. In some areas where U.S. forces operate openly near urban centers, residents expressed confusion over how to identify restricted zones without specific maps or signage provided by either side. Security experts note that a blanket 500-meter exclusion zone around unknown locations presents significant logistical challenges for daily life in densely populated regions.

The United States has not commented on the IRGC's warning as of late Thursday morning. Pentagon officials typically avoid confirming troop movements to prevent adversaries from gaining tactical advantages, leaving civilians reliant on general advisories rather than specific location data.

Questions remain regarding how local populations will enforce or adhere to such a broad restriction without clear demarcation lines. It is also unclear whether the IRGC intends to escalate rhetoric if civilians are found within these zones, or if this warning serves as a precursor to potential military action against American targets in the region. As of now, no incidents have been reported involving civilians crossing into restricted areas since the announcement.

The situation remains fluid, with observers monitoring for any further directives from Tehran or responses from U.S. commanders regarding force protection measures and civilian safety protocols.