NICOSIA — The United States has informed Americans in Syria there may be
repercussions in the wake of a U.S. strike in Syrian territory near the Iraqi border.
Officials said the State Department has concluded that the regime of
President Bashar Assad could order an attack on Americans in Syria in
retaliation for a U.S. strike along the Iraqi-Syrian border. Syria has
accused the U.S. military of an air strike in northwestern Syria that killed
at least eight people.
"The American community in Syria should be aware that unforeseen events
or circumstances may occur that could cause the U.S. embassy in Damascus to
close to the public for an unspecified period of time," the U.S. embassy in
Damascus said.
The United States has acknowledged the air strike on Oct. 26. Officials
said the attack targeted a leading Al Qaida operative in Iraq.
On Oct. 28, Syria has ordered the closure of the U.S. Cultural Center,
linked to the embassy, and the U.S.-sponsored Damascus Community School in
Damascus. The closure did not take place immediately.
"The U.S. administration could not be serious if it thinks that such
terrorist behavior would make Syria accept occupation," the Syrian state
daily A-Thawra newspaper said.
