State Dept. warns travelers to avoid picturesque country known for mud volcanoes — as security rapidly worsens

U.S. State Department officials are warning Americans to reconsider travel to an off-the-beaten-path travel destination that often draws adventurous tourists.

The State Department updated its travel advisory for Azerbaijan on April 28, warning Americans to reconsider trips to the country.

Azerbaijan sits in the South Caucasus, at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia.

The advisory stands at a Level 3, which urges Americans to reconsider travel due to safety and security risks.

Azerbaijan, a former Soviet state known for its mud volcanoes and unique landscapes, has become a niche destination for adventurous travelers.

Officials say the region has faced a continued risk of Iranian drone and missile strikes since U.S.-Iran hostilities escalated in late February.

“Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout this region.”