Syria crisis: US tightens embassy security in Lebanon and Turkey, warns Americans

Washington: US officials tightened security at diplomatic missions in Lebanon and Turkey today, ordering personnel out of Lebanon and offering to evacuate those in Adana in southeastern Turkey, amid security threats against Americans.

The US State Department also warned US citizens against traveling in Lebanon and southeastern Turkey, and urged those in the rest of Turkey "to be alert to the potential for violence."

Officials did not offer any specifics about the possible threats.

"Given the current tensions the region, as well as potential threats to US government facilities and personnel, we are taking these steps out of an abundance of caution to protect our employees and their families, and local employees and visitors to our facilities," said State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf, adding that officials are continuing to "assess the situation."

In Lebanon, officials ordered non-emergency personnel and their family members out of the country "due to threats," the US Embassy in Beirut said in statement.

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The State Department urged "US citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon because of current safety and security concerns."

In Turkey, officials offered voluntary evacuation to reduce its diplomatic presence at its consulate in Adana, Turkey, "because of threats against US government facilities and personnel."

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"The Consulate General in Adana has been authorized to draw down its non-emergency staff and family members it said.

It also recommended "that US citizens defer non-essential travel to southeastern Turkey," the statement said.

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US citizens who remain in Lebanon or southeastern Turkey should remain vigilant and make their own emergency plans, officials said.