State Department Urges Americans to Avoid Egypt Travel

WASHINGTON -- The State Department is urging Americans to defer any non-essential travel to Egypt because of the large anti-government protests and warning U.S. citizens already in the country to stay put until the situation stabilizes.

In a travel alert issued on Friday, the department said the situation in the capital, Cairo, and other cities is volatile as the military and security forces move to quell the demonstrations. It said Americans in Egypt now should remain in their homes or hotels until calm is restored.

Although the demonstrations are not directed against U.S. or Western interests, the department noted that protests have turned violent, resulting in deaths, injuries and major property damage.