State Department orders Embassy employees' families to leave Belarus
By Brad Dress - 02/01/22 12:00 PM EST
The U.S. Department of State on Monday ordered the departure of family members of government employees in Belarus and issued a do not travel advisory for the Eastern European country, which is closely aligned with Russia.
Monday's order, announced in a travel update on the department's website, comes amid heightened tensions in Europe over a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine, which the U.S. cited as a primary factor for the advisory.
"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," the notice reads.
Russia has built up around 100,000 troops on the border of Ukraine, prompting fears of a pending invasion, with U.S. and NATO troops on heightened alert. Russian officials have denied claims that it plans to invade the country, but the nation is sending some troops to Belarus in preparation for military drills and war games set to begin on Feb. 10.
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https://thehill.com/policy/international/592262-state-department-orders-embassy-employees-families-to-leave-belarus
