“US Urges Americans to Leave Syria or Be Prepared for Long-term Sheltering”

The U.S. Embassy in Syria is urging Americans inside the war-torn country to flee immediately or prepare to “shelter in place for extended periods.” 

The warning comes as the “security situation in Syria continues to be volatile and unpredictable with armed conflict and terrorism throughout the country” following the downfall of Syrian President Bashar Assad, the embassy said in a statement Monday. 

“U.S. citizens should depart Syria if possible. U.S. citizens who are unable to depart should prepare contingency plans for emergency situations and be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods,” it added. 

The embassy suspended operations in 2012, “and is not open for normal consular services,” its website says. In its latest advisory, the State Department recommends Americans avoid traveling to Syria “due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping or hostage taking, and armed conflict.” 

A Syrian fighter shouts at people suspected of looting at a residential complex of former President Bashar Assad’s military officers at the village of Husseiniyeh, on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, on Sunday, Dec. 15. (AP//Leo Correa)

Assad fled to Russia after rebels stormed Syria’s capital of Damascus earlier this month. 

He released a statement Monday saying, in part, “I have never sought positions for personal gain but have always considered myself as a custodian of a national project, supported by the faith of the Syrian people, who believed in its vision.”

Syrian fighters walk to attend a celebratory demonstration following the first Friday prayers since Bashar Assad’s ouster, in Damascus’ central square, on Friday, Dec. 13. (AP/Leo Correa)

“I have carried an unwavering conviction in their will and ability to protect the state, defend its institutions, and uphold their choices to the very last moment,” Assad added. 

Fox News’ Simon Owen contributed to this report.