U.S. Closes Syrian Embassy, Recalls Diplomats

By Newsroom America Staff at 6 Feb 2012

(Newsroom America) -- The United States closed its embassy in Syria's capital of Damascus and pulled out all of its diplomats in the violence-torn country, as Washington increased pressure on President Bashar Assad to surrender power.

The American ambassador, Robert Ford, and 17 other U.S. officials left Syria and were expected to fly back to the United States, reports said Monday. Ford informed Syrian officials of the decision earlier in the day, the State Department said.

Two diplomats left by air and the others traveled overland to neighboring Jordan, said reports.

The decision came two weeks after the U.S. warned it would close the embassy if Syria failed to offer better protection. Washington had voiced concern about the safety of embassy personnel, as well as a recent series of car bombings.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said in a statement Ford remains the ambassador to Syria. The department said the Polish embassy would provide emergency consular services for any Americans remaining in Syria.

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