US Travelers Urged To Leave Egypt Amid Political Unrest

As political protesters continue to defy instructions given by the government to clear the streets, the US and a number of other countries are calling on their citizens to return home. In Egypt, tens of thousands of residents are calling on President Hosni Mubarak to renounce his power. Troops have been ordered to prevent protesters from causing property damage, but even they seem apprehensive about following commands.

In the meantime, an estimated 1200 American citizens have been asked to evacuate the country. Many were able to make it to neighboring countries before violence ensued, but a small portion remain trapped in the country. Most of the US residents that are currently in Egypt were on vacation. Some have been able to take refuge at the Cairo International Airport, but others are in their hotel rooms.

The United States government has reason to believe that US citizens still in Egypt are in danger. Although no rescue plans have been announced, US travelers in Cairo have been asked to be on high alert. Political unrest has been flaring up across Africa and the Middle East for the past few weeks. No deaths have officially been reported by the Egyptian government, but other sources claim that the president has ordered a media blackout. It is unclear when US travelers will be able to travel back to the United States, but nearly all have been accounted for. Generally, Egypt is considered to be a safe vacation destination but political turmoil can quickly turn a vacation mecca into a war zone.