SYRIA
September 14, 2006
This Travel Warning is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to increased security concerns in Syria following the September 12 attack against the U.S. Embassy in Damascus. As a result, the Department of State has authorized the departure of dependents and non-emergency employees at the U.S. Embassy in Damascus on a voluntary basis. In light of these security concerns in Syria, the Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Syria. American citizens currently in Syria should carefully evaluate their own security situations and consider departing.
On September 12, the U.S. Embassy in Damascus was attacked by assailants using improvised explosives, gunfire, and two vehicles laden with explosives. However, the Embassy perimeter was not breached and, other than injuries suffered by two local guards, no U.S. Embassy personnel were harmed. This attack underscores the presence of terrorist groups in Syria that have the ability and intent to target American interests. The Embassy is working with the Syrian authorities to address these threats and the security issues raised by the attack on the Embassy.
U.S. citizens who remain in or travel to Syria despite this Travel Warning are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Damascus, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Syria. Americans in Syria should exercise caution and take prudent measures to maintain their security. These measures include being aware of their surroundings, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, varying times and routes for all required travel, and ensuring travel documents are current.
U.S. consular personnel remain available to provide emergency information and services to American citizens. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus, Syria, is located at 2, Al-Mansour St., Abu Roumaneh. The Embassy telephone number is (963) (11) 333-1342, fax (963) (11) 331-9678, e-mail: acsdamascus@state.gov. American citizens may register with the Embassy online by visiting https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs. Additional information may be found on the Embassy website at http://usembassy.state.gov/damascus.
Updated information on travel and security in Syria may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. Additional details can be found in the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Syria, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, and the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement which are available on the Department's internet website at http://travel.state.gov.