The US Department of State on Aug. 5 urged travelers in Syria to depart immediately while commercial transportation was available. Those remaining were advised to limit nonessential travel.
Since March 2011, demonstrations throughout Syria have been violently suppressed by Syrian security forces, resulting in, the Department stated, hundreds of deaths and injuries and thousands of detentions.
Demonstrations can occur anytime and anywhere, not just on Friday afternoons as with many past demonstrations. On July 11, a number of embassies in Damascus were violently attacked by people participating in a pro-government demonstration, resulting in the US Embassy’s closing for one day.
Travelers on Syrian roads have encountered an increased number of checkpoints and roadblocks, impeding travel and preventing entry into or exit from cities.
Syrian efforts to attribute the current civil unrest to external influences may lead to an increase in antiforeigner sentiment. Detained US citizens may find themselves subject to allegations of incitement or espionage.