The United States on Friday closed its embassy in the Central African Republic "as a result of the deteriorating security situation, it was reported here. "Tensions were rising in the country as a rebel coalition known as Seleka advanced on the capital, Bangui, claiming the government has violated a 2007 peace deal. The US embassy "suspended its operations on December 28, 2012, and, therefore, cannot provide protection or routine consular services," the State Department said in a statement. It also warned US citizens against all travel to the Central African Republic.