WASHINGTON, District of Columbia, Aug 01, 2013 (AFP) — The United States said it would close an unspecified number of embassies around the world on Sunday over security concerns.

State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf on Thursday called the step “precautionary” but declined to specify the threat or list which missions would be closed.

“The Department of State has instructed certain US embassies and consulates to remain closed or to suspend operations on Sunday, August 4,” Harf told reporters.

The decision was taken “out of an abundance of caution and care for our employees and others who may be visiting our installations,” she said.