Greece said on Thursday, July 26 it was closing its embassy in Syria, where President Bashar al-Assad is fighting a 16-month-old revolt against his rule, Reuters said.

"Due to the worsening security situation in Syria, the operations of the embassy in Damascus will be suspended as of today," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Consulates in the cities of Aleppo, Latakia and Tartus would remain open to assist Greek citizens in Syria, the ministry added.