The American government has issued a security alert to its citizens in Nigeria amid Iran’s retaliatory attacks. 

“Following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate,” said the U.S. security advisory.

The statement noted that Americans might experience travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures. 

The Department of State advised Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution. It also urged them to enrol at https://step.state.gov to receive the latest security alerts and follow the ‘U.S. Department of State – Security Updates for U.S. Citizens’ channel on WhatsApp.

The security alert came on the heels of the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel. Iran’s state-owned and other local media on Sunday confirmed Mr Khamenei’s death.

Scores of other high-ranking Iranian officials were killed in the strikes.

Meanwhile, in retaliation, Iran has fired several missiles at U.S. bases in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, vowing to take revenge for the death of its slain Supreme Leader and regime officials.

Mr Trump, in a live broadcast while the attack was underway on Saturday, said he was out to eliminate members of the Iranian regime, charging citizens to take over their government once he is done.