Why is the US State Department Urging Citizens to Leave Syria Immediately?

New Delhi: The US Embassy in Damascus and the State Department issued an urgent advisory on Saturday, urging all American citizens to leave Syria immediately due to increased attack threats during Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan.

In an official statement, the embassy announced that the US State Department had elevated Syria’s travel advisory to Level 4—"Do Not Travel"—citing growing threats against diplomatic missions, international organizations, and public institutions in Damascus.

‘Do Not Travel’ Warning Issued

The advisory warns of a heightened risk of attacks during the holiday period, with potential targets including embassies, international organizations, and Syrian government institutions. It cautions that attack methods could range from lone assailants and armed gunmen to explosive devices.

The statement emphasized the continued risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage-taking, armed conflict, and unlawful detention in Syria.

US Diplomatic Services in Syria Remain Suspended

The embassy also reminded that US diplomatic services in Syria have been suspended since 2012, meaning routine consular assistance is unavailable for American citizens in the country.

For urgent assistance, US nationals in Syria are advised to contact the US Interests Section at the Czech Embassy in Damascus, which handles US affairs in the region.