As Syrians eagerly await the announcement of a new competent government this evening, a warning has spread confusion.
The U.S. Embassy in Damascus has urged all its citizens in Syria to leave the country immediately amid warnings from the State Department about an increased likelihood of attacks during the Eid al-Fitr holiday. According to an official statement on the U.S. Embassy's website in Damascus, there is an increased possibility of attacks that might target embassies, international organizations, and Syrian public institutions in Damascus.
The warning highlighted that potential attacks could involve individual attackers, armed assailants, or the use of explosive devices. Additionally, it confirmed that the U.S. Department of State has classified travel to Syria as Level 4: Do Not Travel. This warning remains in place due to significant risks including terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage-taking, armed conflict, and unjustified detentions.
The statement also noted that the American Embassy in Damascus suspended its operations in 2012 and that the U.S. government cannot provide any routine or emergency consular services to American citizens in Syria, with the Czech Republic representing U.S. interests in Syria.
The embassy advised American citizens in Syria to immediately leave the country, avoid large gatherings or demonstrations, remain alert in places frequented by tourists or Westerners, be ready to shelter in place if the situation deteriorates, review personal security plans, keep phones charged for emergencies, exercise caution, and stay updated with news developments that may affect internal security. It also suggested making an emergency plan and reviewing the Department of State's traveler checklist, encouraging Americans in Syria to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts.
### Regime Change in Syria: Assad Ousted After 54 Years in Power
After 3 months since the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad following a conflict that lasted 14 years, Syrian authorities have enacted a constitutional declaration for a transitional phase, set to last five years. During this period, Transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa will hold executive power in the country.
Opposition factions ousted Assad in December after launching an offensive from their stronghold in the northwestern part of the country in late November. With the new authorities appointing a caretaker government to manage the country for a period of three months.
Although a transitional government was expected to be announced at the beginning of the current month to manage the nation in the upcoming phase, it has been delayed until today. Al-Sharaa pledged, upon his declaration as interim president on January 29, to issue a "constitutional declaration" for the transitional phase following the formation of a "preparatory committee to select a mini-legislative council" and dissolve the existing assembly.