U.S. Embassy in Syria Urges Americans to Flee or Prepare for Extended Shelter-in-Place
The U.S. Embassy in Syria is warning Americans inside the war-torn country to leave immediately or prepare to “shelter in place for extended periods” due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation.
The warning comes after the downfall of Syrian President Bashar Assad, with the embassy citing armed conflict and terrorism throughout the country. The embassy advised U.S. citizens to depart Syria if possible, but for those who are unable to leave, to prepare contingency plans for emergency situations and be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods.
The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria, and those in need of emergency assistance should contact the U.S. Embassy in the country they plan to enter. Americans are also advised to keep their cell phones charged in case of emergency and to monitor the news closely for breaking developments that could affect internal security.
The U.S. Embassy in Syria suspended operations in 2012 and is not open for normal consular services. The State Department recommends that Americans avoid traveling to Syria due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping or hostage taking, and armed conflict.
