Bahamas issues travel advisory for U.S., cites 'police violence'

The Bahamas has issued a travel advisory for its citizens planning to go to the United States, warning them about the high tensions in some cities over the shooting of 'young black males'.

"At the commencement of the Independence holiday weekend, many Bahamians will no doubt use the opportunity to travel, in particular to destinations in the United States. We wish to advise all Bahamians traveling to the US but especially to the affected cities to exercise appropriate caution generally. In particular young males are asked to exercise extreme caution in affected cities in their interactions with the police. Do not be confrontational and cooperate," a statement by the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The statement further warned its citizens to not get involved in political or other demonstrations under any circumstances and avoid crowds.

The Bahamas has consular offices in New York, Washington, Miami and Atlanta and honorary consuls in Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago and Houston.

Earlier, five police officers were killed after unknown snipers ambushed them amid protests in Dallas over the shooting of two black men by cops in Louisiana and Minnesota.

Six other officers were also wounded in the shoot out.

The crowd had gathered to protest against the killing of Philando Castile on Wednesday by a cop in Minnesota and Alton Sterling who was shot by a policeman on Tuesday in Louisiana.

People across the nation vented their anger and rallies were carried out in Minnesota, Louisiana, Chicago, New York and many other cities.

The shooting in Dallas happened as protests were underway.

Witness Clarissa Myles said "Everyone was screaming, people were running. I saw at least probably 30 shots go off."

Another witness who was at the protest said he heard multiple gunshots in rapid succession.

Video showed numerous police officers crouching behind vehicles. Others approached a location holding protective shields.

Philando Castile, a school food services worker, was shot in Falcon Heights on Wednesday, outside Minneapolis, when a police officer pulled him over because of a broken taillight, said his fiancee, Diamond Reynolds, who was in the car with Castile, along with her 4-year-old daughter.