The U.S. Embassy in Syria has issued a warning to American citizens about an increased risk of attacks during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations, which mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Syria's security situation remains unstable following the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad in December by a coalition largely composed of Islamist rebel groups © Mena Today
The U.S. Embassy in Syria has issued a warning to American citizens about an increased risk of attacks during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations, which mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement published on the embassy’s website Friday evening, the U.S. State Department cautioned that potential targets could include embassies, international organizations, and Syrian public institutions in Damascus.
“Attack methods may include armed assailants, gunmen, or the use of explosive devices,” the statement warned.
Syria's security situation remains unstable following the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad in December by a coalition largely composed of Islamist rebel groups.
Assad’s fall ended nearly 14 years of civil war that began in 2011 after a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests.
The embassy reiterated its strong advisory against travel to Syria, citing “the high risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage-taking, armed conflict, and arbitrary detention.” The U.S. Embassy in Damascus suspended its operations in 2012 due to the conflict.
The warning comes as tensions remain high and as Eid festivities are expected to draw crowds across the country.
By Edward Finkelstein
Israel stepped up airstrikes on Syria overnight, declaring the attacks a warning to the new Islamist rulers in Damascus as it accused their Turkish allies on Thursday of trying to turn the country into a Turkish protectorate.
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has issued a forceful condemnation following a wave of Israeli airstrikes across the country, denouncing the attacks as a flagrant violation of international law and Syrian sovereignty.
Israel launched airstrikes on military airbases and infrastructure sites in the Syrian cities of Damascus, Hama and Homs on Wednesday, the Israeli military said.
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