Trump accelerates Camp David visit amid Middle East tensions
Istanbul (ANTARA) - US President Donald Trump has shortened his weekend visit to Camp David and is expected to return to the White House on Saturday (19/9) evening, according to White House correspondent reports.
The White House updated the President’s schedule, indicating that Trump will return to Washington via Marine One. The presidential helicopter is expected to arrive at the Ellipse at approximately 19:00 local time (23:00 GMT/Sunday, 20/9, 06:00 WIB), according to pool reports provided by USA Today journalist Joey Garrison.
No specific reason was provided regarding the change to Trump’s schedule.
Earlier on Saturday (19/9), F-16 fighter jets from the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) intercepted a general aviation aircraft that entered restricted airspace over Thurmont, Maryland, near Camp David, where Trump was staying. The aircraft was safely escorted out of the area. The First Air Force stated that the incident posed no danger to people on the ground and did not indicate any threat to Trump or the presidential retreat.
These developments occur as the US State Department issued travel warnings due to rising tensions in the Middle East. The Department urged American citizens located outside the region to seriously reconsider travel plans to and through the area.
In a post on the social media platform X, the agency’s Travel.Gov account stated that Americans in the Middle East should increase vigilance and prepare for the possibility of flight cancellations, airspace closures, and other disruptions.
“Due to tensions in the Middle East, the security situation remains complex with the potential for unexpected escalation,” the agency stated.
The agency also warned that Iran-backed Houthis have been involved in hostilities with Saudi Arabia, including attacks involving civilian airports, and noted that the conflict has the “potential to escalate rapidly”.
The agency further warned that Iran and its proxy groups could target US interests, businesses, and institutions, as well as locations associated with Americans in various parts of the world.