US warns Americans to flee Syria or prepare to ‘shelter in place for extended periods’

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.’ 

‘The U.S. government is unable to provide any routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria,’ the embassy said Monday. ‘U.S. citizens in Syria who are in need of emergency assistance to depart should contact the U.S. Embassy in the country they plan to enter.’ 

Americans who remain in Syria are also advised by the embassy to keep their cell phones charged in case of emergency and to ‘monitor the news closely for breaking developments that could affect internal security, and factor updated information into your travel plans and activities.’ 

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.’

‘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.