The U.S. Embassy in Syria is urging Americans inside the war-torn country to flee immediately or prepare to « shelter in place for extended periods. » The warning comes as the « security situation in Syria continues to be volatile and unpredictable with armed conflict and terrorism throughout the country » following the downfall of Syrian President Bashar Assad, the embassy said in a statement Monday. « U.S. citizens should depart Syria if possible. U.S. citizens who are unable to depart should prepare contingency plans for emergency situations and be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods, » it added. The embassy suspended operations in 2012, « and is not open for normal consular services, » its website says. In its latest advisory, the State Department recommends Americans avoid traveling to Syria « due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping or hostage taking, and armed conflict. » MOTHER OF AN AMERICAN JOURNALIST IMPRISONED IN SYRIA SEES HOPE FOLLOWING NEWS OF TRAVIS TIMMERMAN’S RELEASE « The U.S. government is unable to provide any routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria, » the embassy said Monday. « U.S. citizens in Syria who are in need of emergency assistance to depart should contact the U.S. Embassy in the country they plan to enter. » Americans who remain in Syria are also advised by the embassy to keep their cell phones charged in case of emergency and to « monitor the news closely for breaking developments that could affect internal security, and factor updated information into your travel plans and activities. » CHRONICLING THE ASSAD REGIME FROM DEATH OF THE FATHER TO DEFEAT OF THE SON Assad fled to Russia after rebels stormed Syria’s capital of Damascus earlier this month. He released a statement Monday saying, in part, « I have never sought positions for personal gain but have always considered myself as a custodian of a national project, supported by the faith of the Syrian people, who believed in its vision. » »I have carried an unwavering conviction in their will and ability to protect the state, defend its institutions, and uphold their choices to the very last moment, » Assad added. Fox News’ Simon Owen contributed to this report.
Source link : https://www.foxnews.com/us/us-warns-americans-flee-syria-prepare-shelter-place-extended-periods
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Publish date : 2024-12-16 15:15:00
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