Security Alert: U.S. Citizens in Syria
Location: Syria
Event: Potential Imminent Attacks
The U.S. Department of State cautions U.S. citizens of the increased possibility of attacks during Eid al-Fitr holiday, which could target embassies, international organizations, and Syrian public institutions in Damascus.
Methods of attack could include, but are not limited to, individual attackers, armed gunmen, or the use of explosive devices.
The U.S. Department of State's Travel Advisory for Syria is at Level 4: Do Not Travel. This advisory remains in effect due to the significant risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage-taking, armed conflict, and unjust detention.
The U.S. Embassy in Damascus suspended its operations in 2012. The U.S. government is unable to provide any routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria. The Czech Republic serves as the protecting power for U.S. interests in Syria.
U.S. citizens in Syria who are in need of emergency assistance should contact the U.S. Interests Section of the Embassy of the Czech Republic.
Czech Embassy in Damascus, U.S. Interests Section
In Syria: 0969-333644
Outside of Syria: 963-969-333644
Email: USIS_damascus@embassy.mzv.cz
U.S. citizens may also call 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S.) or +1 202-501-4444 (from overseas) for assistance.
Actions to Take:
- Leave Syria now.
- Avoid large crowds, gatherings, and demonstrations.
- Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/Westerners.
- Be prepared to shelter in place should the situation deteriorate.
- Review your personal security plans.
- Keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency.
- Exercise caution, monitor the news closely for breaking developments that could affect internal security, and factor updated information into your travel plans and activities.
- Have a contingency plan for emergencies and review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Enroll and encourage other U.S. citizens in Syria to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts.
U.S. citizens in Syria and around the world can now receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs via WhatsApp, or by email via enrollment in STEP. To follow the U.S. Department of State – Crisis Updates for U.S. Citizens WhatsApp Channel, use the QR code below or click here using your device with WhatsApp installed. We suggest you click the bell button in the upper-right corner of the channel to turn on notifications. You can unfollow the channel at any time.
