Eastern European country evacuation urged for US citizens
The US State Department has declared that no Americans should visit Belarus, and those currently in the country should leave. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The U.S. State Department has advised Americans in Belarus to log out of their social media accounts and avoid political protests.
Travel to Belarus is strongly discouraged, and those already in the country should leave at their earliest convenience, according to Washington's guidance.
In 2020, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Minsk, citing election irregularities, and subsequently closed its embassy and consulates in Belarus following the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022.
“US citizens in Belarus should depart immediately,” the advisory stated, which garnered attention on Monday but was originally issued on December 18.
The State Department expressed concerns over the government’s alleged “arbitrary enforcement of local laws and the risk of detention” and the “potential of civil unrest,” cautioning against travel to Belarus.
Additional considerations included “heightened volatility and the unpredictable nature of the regional security environment,” specifically mentioning Minsk's support for Moscow in the ongoing conflict with Kiev.
“Reconsider bringing electronic devices into Belarus,” the advisory further stressed, advising Americans to assume that all communications within the country are “monitored by Belarusian security services.” It warned that individuals have been arrested based on information from devices that was “created, transmitted, or stored while in another country.”
For Americans who choose to visit Belarus despite the warnings, the State Department advised logging out of social media accounts and refraining from public demonstrations, as they could face arrest or detention without access to diplomatic assistance.
While there have not been any public protests in Belarus for several months, the reissued advisory has sparked speculation online about potential upcoming unrest supported by Western nations. However, the advisory noted it was “reissued after periodic review without changes,” referencing the May 2021 detention of opposition activist Roman Protasevich as an example of irregular arrests.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
Travel to Belarus is strongly discouraged, and those already in the country should leave at their earliest convenience, according to Washington's guidance.
In 2020, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Minsk, citing election irregularities, and subsequently closed its embassy and consulates in Belarus following the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022.
“US citizens in Belarus should depart immediately,” the advisory stated, which garnered attention on Monday but was originally issued on December 18.
The State Department expressed concerns over the government’s alleged “arbitrary enforcement of local laws and the risk of detention” and the “potential of civil unrest,” cautioning against travel to Belarus.
Additional considerations included “heightened volatility and the unpredictable nature of the regional security environment,” specifically mentioning Minsk's support for Moscow in the ongoing conflict with Kiev.
“Reconsider bringing electronic devices into Belarus,” the advisory further stressed, advising Americans to assume that all communications within the country are “monitored by Belarusian security services.” It warned that individuals have been arrested based on information from devices that was “created, transmitted, or stored while in another country.”
For Americans who choose to visit Belarus despite the warnings, the State Department advised logging out of social media accounts and refraining from public demonstrations, as they could face arrest or detention without access to diplomatic assistance.
While there have not been any public protests in Belarus for several months, the reissued advisory has sparked speculation online about potential upcoming unrest supported by Western nations. However, the advisory noted it was “reissued after periodic review without changes,” referencing the May 2021 detention of opposition activist Roman Protasevich as an example of irregular arrests.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
