The United States will close a number of its embassies and consulates around the world on Sunday for security reasons.

The State Department did not specify which missions have been asked to close, nor the type of threat they face. But a statment said the embassies and consulates that have been told to close are ones normally open on Sundays. That would include embassies in the Muslim world, where the work week generally is from Sunday to Thursday.

Spokeswoman Marie Harf called the move a precautionary measure.

“The Department of State has instructed certain U.S. embassies and consulates to remain closed or to suspend operations on Sunday, August 4. 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.”

Officials said the closures could be extended after an evaluation.

Source: VOA News