The U.S. State Department urged its citizens on Monday to leave Syria, citing the country's volatile and unpredictable security situation.
In a statement, the State Department said, "The security situation in Syria remains volatile and unpredictable with armed conflict and terrorism throughout the country. U.S. citizens should leave Syria if possible. U.S. citizens who are unable to leave should prepare emergency plans and be ready to shelter in place for extended periods.
The statement added that "U.S. citizens in Syria who need emergency assistance to leave should contact the U.S. embassy in the country they plan to enter.
Syrian state television reported that the Syrian embassy in Washington will open its doors to citizens on Monday, and activists shared images of the new Syrian flag on the embassy building in Washington on social media.
In March 2014, the United States suspended diplomatic relations with Syria, halted the operations of the Syrian embassy and consulates in the country, and ordered non-American Syrian diplomats to leave the country.