AMN/ WEB DESK

The US State Department has ordered families of its government employees in Belarus to leave the country amid fears of a possible Russian invasion of neighboring Ukraine. It also warned US citizens not to travel to Belarus.

In a travel advisory yesterday, the US State Department said that due to an increase in unusual and concerning Russian military activity near the border with Ukraine, U.S. citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware that the situation is unpredictable and there is heightened tension in the region.

The order came hours after Washington and Moscow clashed at the United Nations Security Council over Ukraine.

According to the US, about 5,000 Russian troops are already in Belarus.