The US has advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Egypt and asked its nationals present there to leave, in the wake of prevailing turbulence which saw ouster of its first democratically elected President Mohammad Morsi, following widespread protests.

“The US State Department warns US citizens to defer travel to Egypt and US citizens living in Egypt to depart at this time because of continuing political and social unrest,” said the statement, issued within hours of Morsi’s ouster.

The State Department also ordered the departure of non-emergency US government personnel and family members from Egypt due to the ongoing political and social unrest.

“Political unrest, which intensified prior to the constitutional referendum in December 2012 and the anniversary in 2013 of Egypt’s 25th January Revolution, is likely to worsen in the near future due to unrest focused on the first anniversary of the President’s assumption of office,” the department said.

Demonstrations have, on occasions, degenerated into violent clashes between police and protesters, and between protesters supporting different factions, resulting in deaths, injuries, and extensive property damage, it said.

On June 28, a US citizen was killed during a demonstration in Alexandria.

On May 9, a private US citizen was attacked with a knife outside of the US Embassy after being asked whether he was an American.

“In addition to that, Westerners and US citizens have occasionally been caught in the middle of clashes and demonstrations.

US citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security by knowing the locations of police and fire stations, hospitals, and the US Embassy,” the State Department said.

Egypt’s powerful military yesterday ousted country’s first democratically elected President Mohammed Morsi, suspended the Islamist-backed constitution and unveiled a roadmap to meet people’s aspirations after the 48-hour army deadline for him expired.

Related Topics