A family stands in front of destroyed graves in a cemetery in Jobar (Syria) on Dec. 18, 2024. (Credit: Aris Messinis/AFP)
French and American authorities have warned their citizens of a heightened risk of attacks during Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, in the coming days.
“The terrorist threat is currently considered very high in Syria, including in Damascus,” stated the French consular services on the “Fil d’Ariane” platform, which is dedicated to French citizens living abroad. “Any French national in Syria may be considered a potential target by terrorist groups. Places frequented or inhabited by Westerners are also considered potential targets,” the statement added.
The U.S. Embassy in Syria issued a similar warning on Friday evening for American citizens. “The U.S. State Department warns American citizens of the increased risk of attacks during Eid al-Fitr, which could target embassies, international organizations, and Syrian public institutions in Damascus,” the statement on the embassy’s website read. “Attack methods could include […] assailants, armed individuals, or the use of explosive devices,” it added.
The U.S. Embassy, which suspended operations in 2012, advises against travel to Syria due to “significant risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnappings, hostage-taking, armed conflicts, and arbitrary detentions.”
Security in Syria remains fragile since former President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in December by a coalition led by Islamist rebels, following a nearly 14-year civil war that began with the violent crackdown on anti-government protests in 2011.
French and American authorities have warned their citizens of a heightened risk of attacks during Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, in the coming days.“The terrorist threat is currently considered very high in Syria, including in Damascus,” stated the French consular services on the “Fil d’Ariane” platform, which is dedicated to French citizens living abroad. “Any French national in Syria may be considered a potential target by terrorist groups. Places frequented or inhabited by Westerners are also considered potential targets,” the statement added.The U.S. Embassy in Syria issued a similar warning on Friday evening for American citizens. “The U.S. State Department warns American citizens of the increased risk of attacks during Eid al-Fitr, which could target embassies, international organizations,...