26 Feb 2022 15:39

State Dept urges U.S. citizens to leave Belarus immediately

MINSK. Feb 26 (Interfax) - The U.S. Department of State issued a security alert for U.S. citizens staying in the territory of Belarus on Saturday.

The Department of State "advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Belarus and urges U.S. citizens in Belarus to depart immediately."

"U.S. citizens should be aware that due to ongoing Russian military hostilities in Ukraine there is heightened tension in the region, the situation is unpredictable, and Minsk airport and Belarusian land border operations could change without significant notice," the security alert says.

It also urges U.S. citizens to "avoid public demonstrations as potential harassment targeted specifically at foreigners is possible."

"The U.S. government's ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Belarus is severely limited due to Belarusian government limitations on U.S. Embassy staffing," it said.