Cairo, Jan 27 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Egyptian authorities have been sent some strong words after the country refused to allow six US citizens to leave the country. The new Egyptian leaders have slapped travel ban on the six Americans who are working to promote democracy in the North African nation.

Washington reacted strongly to the decision of Cairo and called on the officials to reverse the decision and allow the six to leave. US State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said that, “We are urging the government of Egypt to lift these restrictions immediately and allow these folks to come home as soon as possible… We are trying to get them free to travel as soon as possible, and we’re hopeful that we can resolve this in coming days.”

The Egyptian military raided the offices of several organizations in the country. The officials have promised to carry out a probe into the activities of the organizations but Washington has objected strongly saying if the probe is carried out, US will review the aid that it gives to the Egyptian army. The US gives $1.3 billion to the Egyptian army every year.

The affected organizations include NDI and IRI. In all, about 8 non-governmental organizations in Cairo are being investigated.