Why Is the State Dept. Closing Some Embassies and Consulates on Aug 4?

The State Department is ordering unspecified U.S. Embassies and consulates to remain closed or to be closed on Sunday, August 4.

State Department (Image: United States Department of State)

AFP reported State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf declining to elaborate on a potential threat that might have been detected to merit such closures and also didn't offer further information as to which area of the world impacted embassies were located.

U.S. World News and Report included a transcript of what exactly  Harf said to reporters when asked about the rumored closures:

So the Department of State has instructed certain U.S. embassies and consulates to remain closed or to suspend operations on Sunday, August 4th. The department has been apprised of information that out of an abundance of caution and care for our employees and others who may be visiting our installations, that indicates we should institute these precautionary steps. The department, when conditions warrant, takes steps like this to balance our continued operations with security and safety.

Since the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that resulted in the death of  four Americans last year, including ambassador Chris Stevens, security at such locations has been a hot topic for lawmakers.

In fact, Vice President Joe Biden met with lawmakers this week regarding security of American embassies and its diplomats, the Associated Press reported.

This story has been updated.

(H/T: NPR)

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