Obama Administration Closes Syrian Embassy

The Obama administration has shut down the Syrian Embassy in Washington and ordered all non-U.S. personnel to leave the country.

"In consideration of the atrocities the Assad regime has committed against the Syrian people we have determined it is unacceptable for individuals appointed by that regime to conduct diplomatic or consular operations here in the United States," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said.

The Syrian government recently announced it will no longer provide consulate services for Syrians in the United States.

Operations at Syrian consulates across the country have also been suspended.

Tuesday's order should not affect Syria's mission at the United Nations.

Earlier this month the State Department imposed restrictions on Syrian's ambassador to New York after Syrian-Americans complained he was trying to divide their community.

They said Ambassador Bashar Jafari was traversing the United States on a propaganda tour seeking support for President Bashar al-Assad's government.

The State Department restrictions ban Jafari from travelling outside the five boroughs of New York City.