Warns of continued terrorism threats, violence against citizens
and interests overseas
The US Department of
State, through its Office of the Spokesman, has issued the
following Worldwide Caution bulletin on September 10.
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 April 29,
2004 and expires on March 10, 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 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, suicide
operations, 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 its website listed
below. 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.
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