Operations at the American embassy in Cairo resumed normally after Egyptian law enforcement officials arrested a man who was allegedly carrying an explosive device outside the embassy on Tuesday.
Security officials spoke to Fox News on the condition of anonymity, telling reporters that the unidentified suspect was arrested near the consulate and nearby British embassies.
Embassy officials released a statement on Twitter saying, “We are aware of a reported incident on Simon Bolivar Street in Cairo. Please avoid the area and monitor local media for updates. We are aware of reports that public transportation near the area has been disrupted due to the incident. Please exercise caution.”
They added, “U.S. Citizens should/not come to the Embassy at this time.”
Later, the embassy informed the public via social media that the investigation of the area for more possible threats has concluded with no further serious threat identified.
“Police have finished their investigations at the scene of the incident. The Embassy is resuming normal business,” the message said.
In January 2018, the U.S. State Department released an Egypt Travel Advisory warning tourists to “exercise increased caution in Egypt due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.”
They continued, “Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Egypt. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. There is a possibility of terrorist attacks in urban areas, despite the heavy security presence. Terrorists have targeted religious sites, to include mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling to these locations.”
This has led to increased security around consulate areas.