WASHINGTON, D.C.: The United States evacuated its embassy in the Central African Republic (CAR) and temporarily halted its operations, amid security fears after rebels seized large swathes of the country.

The State Department said that it had not broken off diplomatic ties with the beleaguered government in Bangui, but warned US citizens not to travel to the mineral-rich but chronically unstable country, while unrest continues.

“This decision is solely due to concerns about the security of our personnel and has no relation to our continuing and long-standing diplomatic relations with the CAR,” the State department said.

Washington’s decision comes amid mounting fears in the Central African Republic’s capital that President Francois Bozize’s government is facing defeat by an advancing army of rebel fighters.

The United Nations has also pulled non-essential staff out of the country, which has a history of violent unrest and former colonial power France has ordered its military to step up security around its Bangui embassy.

A rebel coalition known as Seleka—which means “alliance” in the coun-try’s Sango language—has seized four regional centers, including a diamond mining hub, since its fighters took up arms on December 10.

Bozize’s troops have fallen back from the rebel advance in disarray and he has appealed for US and French help.