Media Reports Concerning a Military Action at the Syrian/Iraqi Border (10/27/2008)
The Embassy of the United States of America in Damascus wishes to inform the American community of media reports about a military action at the Syrian/Iraqi border near the town of al-Boukamal. According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the alleged action occurred on October 26, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. and there were several persons killed or injured in this action. SANA has reported Syrian allegations this action was carried out by the U.S. armed forces.
Also according to SANA, the Syrian government has condemned the action as an aggressive act and holds the United States responsible for this military action and its repercussions.
In light of these reports, the U.S. Embassy wishes to remind the American community to review their personal security practices, such as avoiding areas in which demonstrations take place and to not draw undue attention to themselves. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and their interests overseas.
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.
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Syria, as well as the Country Specific Information for Syria can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays)
The U.S. Embassy in Damascus can be reached 24 hours a day at 963-11-3391-4444; the fax number is 963-11-3391-3999. The Embassy’s web site, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in Damascus, is at http://damascus.usembassy.gov