US Embassies in the Middle East May Face Staff Reduction

The US Department of State allegedly instructed its embassies in the Middle East to prepare plans for operating with a minimal staff. A diplomat's spouse stated that when they left their home in March, they were unaware that they would not be returning, saying ''. It is claimed that the US Department of State asked its embassies in the region to prepare plans to operate with a reduced number of personnel. According to a US-based news source, unnamed sources reported that personnel were being offered the option to shorten their duty periods. A State Department spokesperson stated that they 'continuously review the security and personnel situation at each diplomatic mission and adjust the personnel numbers accordingly'