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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
MESSAGE TO U.S. CITIZENS - October 23, 2014
Worldwide Caution Issued From The Department of State
The Department of State is updating the Worldwide Caution to provide
information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence
against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. U.S. citizens
are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take
appropriate steps to incre
ase their security awareness. This replaces the Worldwide Caution dated April 10, 2014.
The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of
terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against
U.S. citizens and interests overseas. On September 22, 2014, the United
States and regional partners commenced military action against the
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated terrorist
organization in Syria and Iraq. In response to the airstrikes, ISIL
called on supporters to attack foreigners wherever they are. Authorities
believe there is an increased likelihood of reprisal attacks against
U.S., Western and coalition partner interests throughout the world,
especially in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Kidnappings and hostage events involving U.S. citizens have become
increasingly prevalent as ISIL, al Qa`ida and its affiliates have
increased attempts to finance their operations through kidnapping for
ransom operations. ISIL, al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and
al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) are particularly effective with
kidnapping for ransom and are using ransom money to fund the range of
their activities. Kidnapping targets are usually Western citizens from
governments or third parties that have established a pattern of paying
ransoms for the release of individuals in custody.
Extremists
may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target
both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include
high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices,
hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas,
shopping malls, and other tourist destinations both in the United States
and abroad where U.S. citizens gather in large numbers, including
during holidays.
U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential
for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist
infrastructure. Extremists have targeted and attempted attacks on
subway and rail systems, aviation, and maritime services. In the past,
these types of attacks have occurred in cities such as Moscow, London,
Madrid, Glasgow, and New York City.
EUROPE: Current information
suggests that ISIL, al-Qa'ida, its affiliated organizations, and other
terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. and
Western interests in Europe. Authorities believe the likelihood of a
terror attack in Europe is increased as European members of ISIL return
from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, there is a continuing threat in
Europe from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major
terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis. In the
past several years, organized extremist attacks have been planned or
carried out in various European countries. European governments have
taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made
official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions.
MIDDLE EAST and NORTH AFRICA: Credible information indicates terrorist
groups also seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the
Middle East and North Africa. The U.S. government remains highly
concerned about possible attacks against U.S. citizens, facilities,
businesses, and perceived U.S. and Western interests.
No part
of Syria should be considered immune from violence. The security
situation remains dangerous and unpredictable as a civil war between
government and armed anti-government groups continues throughout the
country. There is an increased threat of terrorism from groups such as
ISL, al-Nusrah, as well as other extremists whose tactics include use of
suicide bombers, kidnappings, use of small and heavy arms, and
improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Since the start of the uprising
against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime in March 2011, the
United States has received reports of numerous foreigners kidnapped in
Syria, many of whom are still in captivity. The majority of the victims
are journalists and aid workers. U.S. citizens and other Westerners have
been murdered by ISIL in Syria. Violent extremists from various
countries operate in Syria and may be planning attacks against the
United States and other Western targets.
A number of extremist
groups also operate in Lebanon and the potential for death or injury in
Lebanon exists because of periodic terrorist bombing attacks throughout
the country. As a result of spillover violence from the Syria crisis,
Sunni groups are active and Hizballah, a group designated by the U.S.
government as a terrorist organization, has been present and active for
many years.
U.S. citizens in Iraq remain at high risk for
kidnapping and terrorist violence. Numerous insurgent groups, including
ISIL, previously known as al-Qa'ida in Iraq, remain active and terrorist
activity and violence persist in many areas of the country. ISIL and
its allies control Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, and have captured
significant territory across central Iraq and continue to engage with
Iraqi security forces in that region.
Al-Qaida in the Islamic
Maghreb (AQIM), the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO),
and al-Murabitun remain active and operate primarily in southern
Algeria, southwestern Libya and Tunisia in the wake of French and
African intervention in northern Mali. In Algeria, terrorists
sporadically attack Westerners and Algerian government targets,
particularly in the Kabylie region, and near Algeria's borders with
Libya and Mali. In September, a French tourist was kidnapped and
murdered by an Algerian-based terrorist group. Terrorists have targeted
oil processing plants in Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. In Libya,
various groups have called for attacks against U.S. citizens and U.S.
interests. Terrorist organizations continue to be active in Yemen,
including al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).
AFRICA:
Al-Qa'ida continues to operate primarily in North Africa. Vestiges of
extremist elements, including AQIM, MUJAO, and al-Murabitun continue
small scale operations in northern Mali mostly related to planting land
mines on lines of communication used by UN peacekeeping troops. The
major parts of these groups were forced to move to southern Algeria,
southwestern Libya and Tunisia in the wake of French and African
intervention in northern Mali. Terrorist groups have stepped up their
rhetoric calling for additional attacks or kidnapping attempts on
westerners and others, particularly those linked to support for
international military intervention.
Additionally, the
terrorist group AQIM has declared its intention to attack Western
targets throughout the Sahel (an area that stretches across the African
continent between the Atlantic Ocean and the Red Sea to include Senegal,
Mali, Algeria, Niger, Chad, Sudan, and Eritrea). It has claimed
responsibility for kidnappings, attempted kidnappings, and the murder of
several Westerners throughout the region, including southern Algeria.
Al-Shabaab assassinations, suicide bombings, hostage taking, and
indiscriminate attacks in civilian-populated areas are frequent in
Somalia. Terrorist operatives and armed groups in Somalia have
demonstrated their intent to attack Somali authorities, the African
Union Mission in Somalia, and non-military targets such as international
donor offices and humanitarian assistance providers. Al-Shabaab retains
its demonstrated capability to carry out attacks in
government-controlled territory in Somalia and in neighboring countries
such as Kenya and Djibouti.
Boko Haram, an extremist group
based in northeast Nigeria, has claimed responsibility for many attacks,
mainly in northern Nigeria. The first months of 2014 have seen a
continued increase in Boko Haram attacks and clashes with Nigerian
government security forces in northern Nigeria. Boko Haram has also
targeted women and children for kidnapping, reportedly kidnapping women
in northern states for marriage as "slave brides," and kidnapping more
than 200 school girls from a private school in Borno state. Boko Haram
is known to descend on whole towns, robbing banks and businesses,
attacking police and military installations, and setting fire to private
homes. U.S. citizen missionaries in northern Nigeria have received
specific written threats to their safety and well-being, although none
have yet been harmed.
U.S. citizens considering travel by sea
near the Horn of Africa, the Gulf of Guinea, or in the southern Red Sea
should exercise extreme caution, as there have been armed attacks,
robberies, and kidnappings for ransom by pirates. The threat of
hijacking to merchant vessels continues to exist in Somali territorial
waters and as far as 1,000 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia,
Yemen, and Kenya in international waters. There has also been a recent
rise in piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea, including
hijackings.
U.S. government maritime authorities advise
mariners to avoid the port of Mogadishu and to remain at least 200
nautical miles off the coast of Somalia. In addition, when transiting
around the Horn of Africa, the Gulf of Guinea, or in the Red Sea, it is
strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys and maintain good
communications at all times. U.S. citizens traveling on commercial
passenger vessels should consult with the shipping or cruise ship
company regarding precautions that will be taken to avoid hijacking
incidents. Commercial vessels should review the Department of
Transportation Maritime Administration's Horn of Africa Piracy page for
information on maritime advisories, self-protection measures, and naval
forces in the region.
SOUTH ASIA: The U.S. government continues
to receive information that terrorist groups in South Asia may also be
planning attacks in the region, possibly against U.S. government
facilities, U.S. citizens, or U.S. interests. The presence of al-Qa'ida,
Taliban elements, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, indigenous sectarian groups, and
other terror organizations, many of which are on the U.S. government's
list of designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations, poses a potential
danger to U.S. citizens in the region. Terrorists and their sympathizers
have demonstrated their willingness and ability to attack locations
where U.S. citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit.
The presence of several foreign and indigenous terrorist groups poses a
danger to U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan. Across the country,
terrorist attacks frequently occur against civilian, government, and
foreign targets. Attacks have included armed assaults on heavily guarded
sites, including Pakistani military installations and airports. The
Government of Pakistan maintains heightened security measures,
particularly in the major cities. Terrorists and criminal groups
regularly resort to kidnapping for ransom.
No province in
Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence and crime, and the
strong possibility exists throughout the country for hostile acts,
either targeted or random, against U.S. and other foreign nationals at
any time. Elements of the former Taliban regime and members of other
terrorist organizations hostile to the Government of the Islamic
Republic of Afghanistan and foreign nationals remain active in every
province of the country. Furthermore, travel to all areas of Afghanistan
remains unsafe due to ongoing military combat operations, landmines,
banditry, armed rivalry between political and tribal groups, and the
possibility of insurgent attacks, including attacks using vehicle-borne
or other improvised explosive devices. U.S. citizens are increasingly
targeted for kidnapping. The threat situation in Afghanistan is still
considered critical and is expected to remain so through the current
political and military transition.
India continues to
experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect U.S.
citizens directly or indirectly. Anti-Western terrorist groups active in
India include Islamist extremist groups such as
Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen,
Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e Tayyiba. Past attacks have targeted
public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury
and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and
restaurants in large urban areas. Attacks have taken place during the
busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places, but could occur
at any time.
CENTRAL ASIA: Supporters of terrorist groups such
as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, al-Qa'ida, the Islamic Jihad
Union, and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement remain active in
Central Asia. These groups have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and may
attempt to target U.S. government interests.
EAST ASIA AND
PACIFIC: Information from credible sources suggests that there is a
continued risk of armed terrorist and criminal groups operating and
planning attacks against foreigners, including U.S. citizens, in the
East Asian and Pacific region. Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and the Abu Sayyaf
Group, have cells operating throughout Southeast Asia and JI is linked
to al-Qaida and other regional terrorist groups.
There is a
risk of travel to the southern Philippines, specifically related to
kidnapping threats in the Sulu Archipelago and the ongoing threat of
violence on the island of Mindanao, particularly in Central Mindanao.
Over the past year there have been several kidnappings-for-ransom
targeting foreigners in the Eastern Sabah province of Malaysia and in
the southern Sulu Sea area by terrorist or insurgent groups based in the
Sulu Archipelago of the Philippines. In addition to incursions on the
coastal and island resorts themselves, criminal or terrorist bands may
attempt to intercept boats ferrying tourists in the area.
Indonesian security forces have disrupted a number of terrorist cells,
including JI, a terrorist organization that carried out several
significant bombings in Jakarta and Bali over the past decade. Although
Indonesian counterterrorism efforts have been successful in preventing
terrorists from conducting large-scale attacks in recent years,
extremists in Indonesia may demonstrate a willingness and ability to
carry out small-scale violent attacks with little or no warning.
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Before You Go
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The Department of State urges U.S. citizens living overseas or planning
to travel abroad to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
(STEP). When you enroll in STEP, we can keep you up to date with
important safety and security announcements. Enrolling will also make it
easier for the Embassy to contact you in the event of an emergency. You
should remember to keep all of your information in STEP up to date; it
is particularly important when you enroll or update your information to
include a current phone number and e-mail address.
U.S.
citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance,
be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster
their personal security. For additional information, please refer to
Traveler's Checklist.
U.S. government facilities worldwide
remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily
close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security
posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make
every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. U.S.
citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact
with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
As the Department
of State continues to develop information on potential security threats
to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through
its Consular Information Program documents, including Travel Warnings,
Travel Alerts, Country Specific Information, and Emergency and Security
Messages, all of which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs
website at http://travel.state.gov/ Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain
up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747
toll-free in the United States and Canada or, from other countries, on a
regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from
8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S.
federal holidays).
© Copyright 2014 by thebahamasweekly.com
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