The US embassy in Mauritius, which was shut down Monday, will remain closed for one week following instructions from the US State Department, a diplomatic source said.
The decision was taken due to terrorist threats that are facing US embassies in Africa and elsewhere. A total of 19 US embassies and consulates have also been shut down, including the embassies in Egypt, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Madagascar and Burundi, Xinhua reported.
The Obama administration's decision to close the embassies came as a precautionary measure in the light of US intelligence agencies intercepting conversation between terrorists.
The decision was taken as a precaution to ensure the safety of the staff and the visitors to the embassy, the website of the US embassy here said.
