The United States on Friday ordered embassies in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia to close until next week, amid fears of anti-American violence after a suspected terrorist attack in Yemen and continuing clashes between Israel and the Palestinians.
Washington's missions in 13 Arab and seven African nations and Pakistan have been told to shut and remain closed to the public until Monday, a State Department official said.
"In light of the worldwide caution and in response to developments in Yemen and the West Bank and Gaza, the Department of State has directed chiefs of mission in the near eastern region and a number of South Asian and African posts to close public operations at embassies and consulates," the official said.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, referred to an alert issued Thursday warning US citizens to take extra security precautions in the wake of the attack on the USS Cole, a navy destroyer in Yemen, and spiraling violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories -- WASHINGTON (AFP)
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