US embassies warn of protests in Indonesia, Azerbaijan

The U.S. Embassy in the Caucasus nation of Azerbaijan on Monday issued an “emergency message” to Americans in the area warning them to be “alert and aware” as violent anti-American protests spread beyond the Middle East.

A protest, sparked by the American-made anti-Muslim video that has fueled riots in two dozen countries, is expected in front of the U.S. Embassy in Baku on Monday afternoon, the embassy warned. 

“The demonstration is assumed to be connected to other anti-American demonstrations ongoing worldwide,” the embassy warned. “Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable. You should avoid them if at all possible. Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.”

Separately, some 1,000 protesters are expected to descend on the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, the capital of of Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country. At least 1,500 Indonesian police officers are expected at the demonstration.

“We advise, as always, that people should avoid large crowds and other gatherings that might turn violent,” the embassy warned in an emergency message. “We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if needed.”

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