Large-Scale Demonstration in Central Damascus (1/8/2008)
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian rocket strikes into Israel. The escalation of hostilities within the Gaza Strip has resulted in a strong possibility of spontaneous and/or planned demonstrations and potential for disruption of traffic throughout Syria in days and weeks to follow.
A demonstration is reportedly scheduled for 11:00am on January 8, 2009 in the vicinity of Al-Shehabandar Circle, Central Bank Circle and Yousef al-Azme Circle in Central Damascus. Large crowds are anticipated in these areas, and street closures in and around the affected area are planned. American citizens should avoid this vicinity.
On January 9, 2009, there will be a day of solidarity following mid-day prayers.
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
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.