The United States (US) State Department has ordered all non-emergency US mission personnel and dependents to depart Nepal.

A press statement issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu said this decision, made at the recommendation of the Embassy, was taken out of concern for the safety of US Government employees and their families.

“Ambassador James F. Moriarty, who informed the Mission community of the Embassy’s recommendation, also is recommending that all American citizens in Nepal should consider leaving the country at this time because of the uncertain security conditions,” the statement adds.

The State Department had authorized voluntary departure for non-emergency Mission staff and families on April 12.

The US Mission includes the Embassy, its Consular Section and American Center in the Yak & Yeti Hotel, and USAID.

The Consular Section and American Center Library have been closed since April 12 until further notice citing ongoing violence, curfews, and widespread insecurity in Nepal. nepalnews.com pb Apr 24 06