"US Urges Immediate Departure of Citizens from Belarus Amidst Growing Tensions"

The Biden administration has issued a travel warning urging U.S. citizens in Belarus to leave the country immediately due to concerns about Russian Wagner mercenary forces and the heightened security measures taken by neighboring countries. Belarus, categorized as a Level 4 risk, is known for its leader Alexander Lukashenko's facilitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine and is under U.S. sanctions for human rights abuses. The U.S. mission in Belarus is currently limited to emergency services, and the State Department warns of potential civil unrest, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and the risk of detention.