Earlier that same day, a rebel faction released a press statement warning foreigners to leave Burundi for their safety. Burundi has been involved in a civil war since 1993.
Fighting can be intense and has increasingly involved attacks on the capital, Bujumbura.
Extremist groups are active throughout the Great Lakes region, and some have committed or threatened violence against U.S. citizens and interests. Several international non-governmental organizations have been targeted and robbed by armed assailants in their offices, on the road, and in their homes. The U.S. Embassy operates with a reduced staff and restricts U.S. Government personnel from traveling outside Bujumbura, the capital, due to unpredictable incidents of violence throughout Burundi. As a result of the ongoing conflict, U.S. Government personnel's travel in Bujumbura may be limited based on most recent information of the Embassy's security officer. In addition, family members are prohibited from accompanying U.S. Government employees assigned to Burundi.