Demonstration and Temporary Closure of U.S. Embassy and Damascus Community School (10/29/2008)
Spontaneous and/or planned demonstrations take place in Syria from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Upcoming demonstration information follows:
A demonstration is reportedly scheduled for Thursday, October 30th at a location to be determined, possibly in the vicinity of the statue of Saladin or near Souq Al-Hamidieh in downtown Damascus. Therefore, American citizens should avoid these vicinities as well as the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in Damascus on October 30th.
In addition, the U.S. Embassy will be closed on October 30th due to past demonstrations which resulted in violence and significant damage to U.S. facilities and other embassies. The Damascus Community School will also temporarily close on October 30th.
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.