U.S. issues travel warning amid concerns of imminent attacks in Syria

Saturday 19 April 2025 - 16:12

By: Dakir Madiha

U.S. issues travel warning amid concerns of imminent attacks in Syria

The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning to its citizens regarding Syria, citing "credible information" about potential imminent attacks in the Middle Eastern nation.

This advisory was released by the U.S. Embassy in Damascus on its website, despite the embassy's closure since 2012. Since then, the Czech Republic has been responsible for safeguarding American interests in Syria.

According to the statement, the State Department is closely monitoring reliable reports suggesting that attacks may occur soon, particularly in areas frequented by tourists. However, it did not disclose the source of this information or the groups believed to be planning such attacks.

Consequently, the department has issued a Level 4 alert—the highest level in the American warning system—indicating a formal travel ban to Syria. The warning highlights that "no region of Syria can be considered safe."

"Attacks could occur without warning and may target public events, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, parks, shopping centers, public transportation, and densely populated areas," the statement further noted.

The State Department also reminded that the U.S. Embassy in Damascus remains closed and no consular services are available. Americans in Syria are advised to contact the Czech Embassy for assistance in case of emergencies.

This latest warning adds to a series of similar alerts issued on March 3, 10, and 18, alluding to "risks of imminent attacks," none of which have materialized thus far.

This alert comes a few weeks after Washington's decision to downgrade the diplomatic status of the Syrian mission to the United Nations. On April 11, the State Department confirmed to Anadolu Agency that it does not currently recognize "any entity as a legitimate government of Syria."

As a result, visas for members of the Syrian delegation to the UN have been reclassified as visas issued to representatives of governments not recognized by the U.S.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. has laid out several conditions for the new Syrian administration to consider normalizing relations. Among these requirements are concrete measures against extremist groups, the expulsion of Palestinian factions from Syrian territory, cooperation with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to eliminate remaining chemical weapon stockpiles, securing uranium, and appointing a liaison to locate 14 missing American citizens in Syria.

Notably, on December 8, 2024, Syrian factions took control of Damascus after conquering other cities, ending 61 years of Ba'athist rule and 53 years of Assad family dominance.

On January 29, 2025, the new Syrian administration appointed Farouk al-Charaa as president of the transitional government, a period expected to last five years.