Some US Embassies to Close for Security Concerns Some U.S. embassies and consulates will close this Sunday, Aug. 4 because of security concerns. The closures, ordered by the State Department, were precautions taken in response to security threats, State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters on Thursday. "Security considerations have led us to take these precautionary steps," Harf said. Harf did not say how many facilities would close or in what region, or what specific threat or threats had led the State Department to take this measure, only telling reporters that "certain" facilities would close. Harf said there could be additional days, past Aug. 4, on which the facilities would remain closed.