State Department Travel Warning
Worldwide Caution
Public Announcement
March 08, 2005
This Public Announcement is being updated
to remind U.S. citizens of the continuing threat of
terrorist actions and anti-American violence against
U.S. citizens and interests overseas. This
supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated September 10,
2004 and expires on September 7, 2005.
The Department of
State is deeply concerned about the continued threat
of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and
interests abroad, as well as the potential for
demonstrations and violent actions against U.S.
citizens and interests overseas. U.S. citizens are
reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur
at any time. In reaction to the execution of
hostages in Iraq, there have been demonstrations and
associated violence in the hostages' country of
origin. While Americans are generally not the
targets in such incidents, U.S. citizens could be
caught up in the violence. U.S. citizens are
reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and
to take appropriate steps to increase their security
awareness.
The Department of
State remains concerned by indications that al-Qaida
and affiliated groups continue to prepare to strike
U.S. interests abroad. Al-Qaida and its associated
organizations have struck in Europe, Asia, Africa
and the Middle East. Future al-Qaida attacks could
possibly involve non-conventional weapons such as
chemical or biological agents as well as
conventional weapons of terror, to include explosive
devices.
Terrorist actions may
include, but are not limited to assassinations,
hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may
involve aviation and other transportation and
maritime interests. Terrorists do not distinguish
between official and civilian targets. These may
include facilities where U.S. citizens and other
foreigners congregate or visit, including
residential areas, business offices, clubs,
restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and
public areas. U.S. citizens are encouraged to
maintain a high level of vigilance and to take
appropriate steps to increase their security
awareness.
U.S. Government
facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of
alert. These facilities may temporarily close or
suspend public services from time to time 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.
Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news
and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate.
As the Department
continues to develop information on any potential
security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it
shares credible threat information through its
consular information program documents, available on
the Internet at
http://travel.state.gov. 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 U.S. or
outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line
at 1-317-472-2328.
See
http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html for
State Department Travel Warnings
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