WASHINGTON — The State Department has urged American citizens to reconsider
travel to Syria, warning that they could be targeted by Islamic
insurgency groups.
The warning comes on the heels of reports Syria is mobilizing for a possible war with Israel and the closed session briefing last week to members of Congress on North Korea-Syria collaboration in the construction of a nuclear reactor leading to an Israeli air strike last year.
"A number of terrorist groups that oppose U.S. policies have offices in
Syria," the warning, issued on April 15, said.
In its first warning in seven months, the State Department cited safety
and security concerns in Syria, Middle East Newsline reported. The department said the regime of President
Bashar Assad has allowed anti-American demonstrations in Damascus.
The organizations include Hamas, Hizbullah, Islamic Jihad
and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command.
"American citizens are urged to thoroughly consider the risks of travel
to Syria and to take adequate precautions to ensure their safety," the
department said. "Anti-U.S. demonstrations date back to September 2005, some
of which have turned violent and led to damage to Western embassies,
including the U.S. embassy."
The department urged Americans in Syria to register at the consular
section of the U.S. embassy in Damascus. The warning advised Americans to
exercise caution and take 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 travel, and ensuring travel documents are current," the department
said.
