Reuters : US orders non-emergency workers out of Madagascar

WASHINGTON, March 18 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department has ordered non-emergency personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar and all family members to leave because of escalating civil unrest.

In a warning issued late on Tuesday, the department also warned U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to the Indian Ocean nation and recommended against going there.

"While American citizens have not been targeted to date, the Department of State has ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members at the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo due to the ongoing unrest and security concerns," the department said in a statement.

The statement told U.S. citizens already in Madagascar to consider the dangers of staying and "maintain a high level of vigilance and a low profile."

The worst unrest in years in Madagascar has killed at least 135 people, devastated a $390 million-a-year tourism sector and worried multinationals with investments in mining and oil industries. (Editing by Bill Trott)

Reuters