The United States has pulled its ambassador from Syria due to security concerns. Ambassador Robert Ford returned to Washington due to threats on his life, the U.S. Embassy says, that no longer made it safe for him to remain in Syria.

Ford has infuriated Syrian authorities by meeting with opposition figures and showing support for protesters calling for an end to the rule of President Bashar al-Assad.

In July, Ford made a trip to the protest hub of Hama during a massive protest. The Syrian government condemned his actions, and Assad supporters tried to storm the U.S. Embassy compound and the ambassador’s residence.

Later, as Ford left a meeting with an opposition figure on September 29, embassy officials including Ford were attacked with stones and tomatoes.

Chargé d'affaires Haynes Mahoney has been put in charge of the embassy in Damascus. He says Ford was withdrawn after receiving "direct threats against his personal safety" that included what Mahoney says were "false and malicious articles" in government-controlled and affiliated media in Syria.

Mahoney says the embassy continues to function and that Ambassador Ford will return as soon as security conditions permit.

Ford is the first American ambassador assigned to Syria since 2005, when the previous ambassador was withdrawn over allegations Syria was involved in the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri. Syria has denies any involvement in the assassination.