The United States has no immediate plans to reopen its embassy in Syria, which was closed in 2012. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed this during a press briefing on Tuesday. His statement came in response to questions about reopening the embassy after President Bashar al-Assad’s ousting.
US Waiting for Syria’s Actions
Miller stated that reopening the embassy is not a priority right now. He added, “It’s not something we have immediate plans to do, but we have made clear the steps that we want to see the government of Syria take.”
The US is also monitoring the actions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the opposition group that helped oust Assad. If the new government follows certain principles, the US will recognize it. Miller said, “Should we see a process that follows those principles, we are prepared to recognise a Syrian government that does so.”
Security Warnings for US Citizens in Syria
Meanwhile, the US government has warned about the “volatile and unpredictable” security situation in Syria. As a result, the US embassy, which ceased operations in 2012, urged American citizens to leave the country if they can. The embassy also stated that it cannot provide consular services to US citizens in Syria and advised them to contact the US embassy in a neighboring country for assistance.
Additionally, the embassy suggested using the Turkish border as a way to exit Syria. However, it clarified that the US mission in Turkey would need to facilitate this transfer. It also cautioned citizens to “be prepared to shelter in place” should the situation worsen.
Assad Flees Syria, Granted Asylum in Russia
In the meantime, the situation in Syria took a dramatic turn when rebels entered Damascus, forcing Assad to flee. This marked the end of his 22-year rule. Subsequently, Russia granted asylum to Assad and his family, with a Kremlin source confirming that the asylum was granted for “humanitarian considerations.”