The US embassy and its consulates around Australia, including Sydney, have been closed to the public today as the first wave of attacks continue in Iraq. It is the first time since the September 11 attacks on America that consular services at the US facilities have been closed. A spokesman for the US consulate in Sydney said the move was a temporary measure and was not based on any specific threat. “It’s pretty routine in situations like this that we would take these steps,” the spokesman said. The State Department in Washington had recommended the same “prudent” security measures be taken by US Government facilities in several countries, the spokesman said. Diplomatic staff arrived for work as normal at the US embassy in Canberra this morning, but outside access was limited to business and to official visitors. An embassy spokesman said it was operating at reduced staffing levels but he emphasised that there had not been any terrorist or other threat received by the embassy. Full Story
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