US tells citizens leave Syria ‘now while commercial options remain available’

US citizens in Syria should immediately leave the country “while commercial options remain available,” the State Department said Friday, as anti-government forces continue their offensive against the Syrian army.

“The security situation continues to be volatile and unpredictable with active clashes between armed groups throughout the country. The Department urges US citizens to depart Syria now while commercial options remain available,” the department said in a security alert posted on social media.