MINSK. Feb 15 (Interfax) - The U.S. Department of State has urged American citizens currently staying in Belarus to leave the country immediately.
"U.S. citizens in Belarus should depart immediately via commercial or private means," the department said in a special travel advisory available on its website.
"Due to an increase in unusual and concerning Russian military activity near the border with Ukraine, U.S. citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware that the situation is unpredictable and there is heightened tension in the region," it said.
"Potential harassment targeted specifically at foreigners is also possible. Given the heightened volatility of the situation, U.S. citizens are strongly advised against traveling to Belarus," it said.
The Department of State also warned that "the U.S. government's ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Belarus is already severely limited due to Belarusian government limitations on U.S. embassy staffing."