US warns its nationals to leave Syria
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
All US citizens still currently in Syria have been warned to leave the country by officials at the US state department, who say they should ‘depart immediately’ while commercial transport is still available.
The political situation in Syria has deteriorated rapidly over the past few days, with the US recognising what it calls ‘volatility of the current situation’.
US citizens who opt to stay in the country are being advised to limit non-essential travel, while all travel to Syria has been suspended.
In addition, all eligible family members of US government employees in Syria, as well as some non-emergency workers, have been told to leave the country by the Department of State.
US Embassy work will continue as best as possible given the escalating security situation in the country.
Danger in Syria
Hundreds of people have died in Syria since March 2011, where demonstrations against the decades-long rule of President Assad have been violently suppressed by Syrian security forces.
Demonstrators have been protesting around the country, meeting at public squares, mosques, main streets, university campuses and other public places.
The US’ travel warning comes after the UK issued a similar statement to its citizens in Syria earlier in the week. Several main cities and towns across Syria have been placed under heightened security by the government.
Those travelling on Syrian roads have reported an increased amount of road blocks and check points obstructing travel and blocking entry to and from affected cities.
Anti-Western Sentiment
The Syrian authorities have claimed ‘external influences’ have been inciting the unrest, leading some commentators to fear the rise of anti-foreigner feeling in the country.
US citizens detained in Syria could find themselves accused of spying or incitement, warned the State Department.
The unrest in Syria follows a spate of uprisings in the Middle East, including successful revolts in Egypt and Tunisia.
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