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VI Gov’t warns its nationals in war-torn Middle East to ‘shelter in place’

A fire burns at the site of a collapsed building following an Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs. Photo: Getty Images
As the war in the Middle East continues in its second week, the Government of the Virgin Islands, through its Hong Kong Office, has advised nationals of the Virgin Islands in the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East to 'shelter in place until further notice'. Photo: BVI Hong Kong Office/Facebook
As the war in the Middle East continues in its second week, the Government of the Virgin Islands, through its Hong Kong Office, has advised nationals of the Virgin Islands in the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East to 'shelter in place until further notice'. Photo: BVI Hong Kong Office/Facebook
SHENZHEN, Hong Kong, China- As the war in the Middle East continues in its second week, the Government of the Virgin Islands, through its Hong Kong Office, has advised nationals of the Virgin Islands in the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East to “shelter in place until further notice”.

Shelter-in-place (SIP; also known as a shelter-in-place warning, SAME code SPW) is the act of seeking safety within the building one already occupies, rather than evacuating the area or seeking a community emergency shelter.

The advisory “strongly” encourages VI nationals to monitor Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice via www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/.

It is also advised that said nationals should register their presence with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) via www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-office-travel-advice-updates.

“Please reach out to us directly for support at bvigov@hongkongoffice.com.hk,” the advisory stated.

Operation Fury

The US-Iran war, initiated by joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026, in an operation called ‘Operation Fury’, has rapidly escalated into a regional conflict with significant casualties, including the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and six US service members.

Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, US military bases, and Gulf states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Iran’s attacks have hit civilian infrastructure, including oil refineries and airports. The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed, disrupting roughly 20% of global oil exports and causing oil prices to spike.

The benchmark oil price has passed $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022, as the Middle East war enters its 10th day.

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