US embassies are bracing for 'potentially violent' backlash over Trump's Jerusalem decision

Depo Photos via AP

• Several US embassies across the Middle East have issued warnings of potentially violent protests.
• President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital has heightened tensions across the region.
• Palestinian leaders have called for "three days of rage" around the world, and US Marine units are on-call for all embassies.

Several US embassies across the Middle East have warned of potentially violent protests in response to President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The alert comes as Palestinian leaders encouraged worldwide demonstrations and called for Palestinians to engage in "three days of rage."

The US embassy in Jordan published a security warning telling US citizens that Trump's decision may spark protests which "have the potential to become violent." The statement urged US citizens to avoid large gatherings and to maintain a "high-level of vigilance" as tensions rise in the region. 

The embassy, located in Jordan's capital Amman, also temporarily suspended public services, and instructed US personnel to keep a "low profile."

All embassy travel outside of Amman was temporarily suspended, and children of US officials were instructed not to attend school on Thursday.

In Turkey, the US embassy in Ankara stated that it was aware of plans by several groups to stage public protests, and urged US citizens to avoid areas of large gatherings, particularly around US outposts in Ankara, Istanbul and Adana. 

"Even gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence," the statement read. 

The US embassy in Egypt said that Trump's announcement has "generated significant media attention," and Americans in the country are urged to stay vigilant. The US State Department has warned US embassies across the globe to increase security.

US Marine units are on call if added security is needed in capitals across the world, the publication Marine Times said. 

“We have contingency plans in place, in the event that violence breaks out across our area of operations,” US Central Command spokesman Maj. Josh Jacques told the Marine Times.

Several Middle East leaders expressed their opposition to Trump's decision and do not accept Israel's claims to Jerusalem as its capital. In a phone call with Trump, Jordan's King Abdullah II said the decision would have "dangerous repercussions on the stability and security of the region."

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