The US embassy in Syria has cautioned citizens about a heightened risk of attacks during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, advising against travel due to terrorist and armed conflict risks. Security remains unstable in the region, with the US supporting ongoing operations against armed groups and recent efforts to confiscate weapons linked to terrorist activities.
The US embassy in Syria has issued a warning to citizens regarding a heightened risk of terrorist attacks during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which marks the conclusion of Ramadan. According to the embassy statement, there is a risk of potential attacks on embassies, international organizations, and public institutions. Target methodologies may include individual attackers, armed gunmen, or explosives, though specific threats were not detailed.
Eid al-Fitr could begin shortly, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon as per the Muslim lunar calendar. Security in Syria remains precarious, particularly following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December after over 14 years of conflict ignited by anti-government protests in 2011. The US government strongly discourages travel to Syria due to various risks including terrorism, armed conflict, and kidnapping.
The US embassy’s activities have been suspended since 2012, and recent communications from France indicated similar warnings issued to French nationals in Syria. Furthermore, a United Nations employee reported receiving advisories about safety precautions regarding public gatherings amid the current terror threat.
The situation in Syria is heavily influenced by the presence of numerous armed groups and a stockpile of weapons. The new transitional authorities are challenged to maintain security amidst ethnic and religious diversity, compounded by a history of Islamist revolutionary influence.
In recent developments, security forces in Homs confiscated weapons and explosives from remnants of the Assad regime, which were suspected of being intended for terrorist activities. Additionally, a commander from the Islamic State (IS) was arrested last month, marking the first acknowledged thwarting of an IS attack in Syria by the new authorities. Despite significant territorial losses to US-backed forces in 2019, IS remnants continue to operate within the region.
The US embassy’s warning about the increased possibility of terrorist attacks during the Eid al-Fitr holiday underlines the ongoing security challenges in Syria, stemming from its complex political landscape and the legacy of civil conflict. With travel advisories in place, citizens are urged to remain vigilant and cautious. The recent seizure of weapons and arrests of militants further highlight the enduring threat posed by various armed groups in the region.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
