US to close some embassies around world on Sunday for security fears

An unspecified number of US embassies and consulates around the world will be closed due to security fears, the State Department says.

“The Department of State has instructed certain US embassies and consulates to remain closed or to suspend operations on Sunday, August 4,” State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said on Thursday.

The decision was taken “out of an abundance of caution and care for our employees and others who may be visiting our installations,” she said.

Harf did not say how many facilities would close or in what region. She added that the missions may remain closed for additional days.

The American official did not say what threat has led the State Department to adopt such a measure.

A senior official told ABC News that the embassies will close in response to “a specific threat against a U.S. embassy or consulate.”

The State Department came under fire last year after the US consulate in the Libyan city of Benghazi was attacked on September 11, leading to the death of four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens.