U.S. Ambassador Ford pulled from Syria due to threats

U.S. Ambassador Ford pulled from Syria due to threats

2011-10-24 18:28:35 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- The U.S. government has decided to pull Ambassador Robert Ford from Syria as a result of 'credible threats' made against him, officials said on Monday morning.

Ford, who has served as U.S. Ambassador to Syria since last year, returned to Washington, D.C. over the weekend. "Ambassador Robert Ford was brought to Washington as a result of credible threats against his personal safety in Syria," said Mark Toner, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department.

Toner gave no details about the threats but it comes amid state-run media reports critical of Ford and recent attacks on the U.S. Embassy and Ford's residency. "We hope that the Syrian regime will end its incitement campaign against Ambassador Ford," the spokesman said.

It was not immediately clear when Ford may return to Syria, which has seen pro-democracy demonstrations throughout the country since mid-March, resulting in a fierce government crackdown. According to the United Nations, more than 3,000 people have been killed as a result of the violent crackdown.

"At this point, we can't say when he will return to Syria," Toner said. "It will depend on our assessment of Syrian regime-led incitement and the security situation on the ground. This decision was based solely on the need to ensure his safety, a matter we take extremely seriously."

The U.S. Embassy in Syria had already reduced its staff in response to the security situation and is only providing passport services, as well as other emergency services to U.S. citizens. The U.S. government continues to urge its citizens in Syria to depart immediately.

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