The U.S. Embassy in Cairo is closed to visitors today as police and protesters in the area clash, blocking access to the gate.
Due to security situation around Embassy, our public services (visas, American Citizen Services, IRC) will be closed for the rest of the day
— U.S. Embassy Cairo (@USEmbassyCairo) November 29, 2012
In tahrir. USEmbassyCairo has closed. The new wall has forced the clashes onto the Corniche near the Shepard Hotel.
— Cliff Cheney (@cliffcheney) November 29, 2012
US embassy in cairo forced to close because of clashes by gate, embassy statement. Warns americans to stay away from area. #egypt
— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) November 29, 2012
In an emergency alert, U.S. citizens in the region were warned to avoid the area.
Email from USEmbassyCairo reads “The Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid the Garden City area at this time.” #egypt #cairo #tahrir
— Cliff Cheney (@cliffcheney) November 29, 2012
#Egypt U.S. Embassy is currently blocked by protestors. Follow @USEmbassyCairo for updates http://t.co/2MSD6X6d
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) November 29, 2012
The embassy also warned of potential violence during a Muslim Brotherhood “march” planned for Saturday:
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Looking ahead to the weekend, media reports indicate that the Muslim Brotherhood is calling for a “million man march” on Saturday, December 1 to culminate in Tahrir Square. While there is no indication that the Embassy is a target of these protests, the Embassy’s proximity to Tahrir Square, as we have seen this week, exposes it to any violence that develops. The Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid Garden City this weekend.
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