21.   Citing food and other shortages, the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa authorized the voluntary departure of all dependents of embassy personnel.

22.   Dumapias noted, however, that the South Korean Foreign Ministry and police were supportive and protective of embassy personnel.

23.   Embassy personnel with nonemergency jobs have been authorized to leave, along with family members of embassy workers, the department said.

24.   Embassy personnel could not be reached for comment Saturday.

25.   Embassy personnel gathered as U.S. Marine guards lowered the flag and a bugle sounded in the background.

26.   Embassy personnel placed their hands over their hearts while U.S. Marine guards held a simple ceremony, lowering the flag as a bugle sounded.

27.   Embassy personnel refused to comment on the incident.

28.   Embassy personnel were instructed not to comment to the press, so reactions were offered on condition of anonymity.

29.   Embassy personnel gathered at the flag, while U.S. Marine guards held a simple ceremony, lowering the flag as a bugle sounded in the background.

30.   Families of embassy personnel also heard the noise in the northern part of town, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.