The United States Embassy in Cairo has warned their citizens residing in Egypt to avoid downtown area of the capital and Port Said over the weekend, saying in a statement on its website that “US citizens should remain alert for the potential for violent protests.”
The Embassy advises US citizens to “avoid areas where large gatherings may occur,” warning that “even demonstrations or events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.”
Currently, regular clashes erupt in the area surrounding the Embassy, located in Garden City. On Thursday, police arrested around 20 protesters near the Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel in the area.
Most of the streets leading to the Embassy itself have been closed to traffic.
The Embassy statement reminds citizens that the State Department recently expressed concern over possible attacks against American citizens, facilities, and businesses in the Middle East and North Africa region, adding that “the need to be vigilant in regard to potential acts of terror against US and western interests is appropriate for Egypt as well.”
In the days leading up to the second anniversary of the Egyptian revolution, the Embassy urged its citizens to avoid areas expected to witness demonstrations.
