US to boost security at embassy in Iraq: official

The US embassy in Baghdad is increasing its security staff and vowed to remain open after militants captured vast swathes of territory and headed for the capital, officials said.

"As a result of ongoing instability and violence in certain areas of Iraq, Embassy Baghdad is reviewing its staffing requirements in consultation with the State Department," spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a State Department statement yesterday. "Some additional US government security personnel will be added to the staff in Baghdad.