The Department of State has issued this Worldwide
> Caution to update 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 increase their security
> awareness. This replaces the Worldwide Caution dated
> July 18, 2012, to provide updated information on
> security threats and terrorist activities worldwide.
>
> 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. Current information suggests that
> al-Qaida, its affiliated organizations, and other
> terrorist organizations continue to plan terrorist
> attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions,
> including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
> These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics
> including suicide operations, assassinations,
> kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings.
>
> 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, 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 al-Qaida,
> its affiliated organizations, and other terrorist groups
> continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. and
> Western interests in Europe. Additionally, there is a
> continuing threat in Europe from unaffiliated persons
> planning attacks inspired by major terrorist
> organizations but conducted on an individual basis. On
> February 1, 2013, an individual detonated a bomb at a
> side entrance to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, killing one
> Embassy guard and injuring others. The Revolutionary
> People's Liberation Party/Front (Devrimci Halk Kurtulus
> Partisi/Cephesi or DHKP/C) claimed responsibility for
> the attack on its website. The DHKP/C has stated its
> intention to commit further attacks against the United
> States, NATO, and Turkey. European governments have
> taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and
> some have made official declarations regarding
> heightened threat conditions. In the past several
> years, attacks have been planned or carried out in
> various European countries. On February 5, the
> Bulgarian government announced its judgment that
> Hizbollah was responsible for a July 2012 terrorist
> attack in Burgas which resulted in the deaths of five
> tourists and a bus driver.
>
> 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. Terrorist organizations continue to be
> active in Yemen, including al-Qaida in the Arabian
> Peninsula (AQAP). Security threat levels remain high
> in Yemen due to terrorist activities and civil unrest.
> In September 2012, a mob of Yemeni protestors attacked
> the U.S. Embassy compound. U.S. citizens have also been
> the targets of numerous terrorist attacks in Lebanon in
> the past (though none recently) and the threat of anti-
> Western terrorist activity continues to exist there.
> There are a number of extremist groups operating in
> Lebanon, including Hizballah, a group designated by the
> U.S. government as a terrorist organization. Iraq
> remains dangerous and unpredictable. U.S. military
> forces departed as of December 31, 2011, but the threat
> of attacks against U.S. citizens, including kidnapping
> and terrorist violence, continues. In Algeria, Al-Qaida
> in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is active and
> operates throughout the country. Terrorists
> sporadically attack westerners and Algerian targets,
> particularly in the Kabylie region, and near Algeria's
> borders with Libya and Mali. In January, terrorists
> attacked a natural gas facility at In Amenas resulting
> in the deaths of dozens, including three U.S. citizens.
> Terrorists have also targeted oil processing plants in
> Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Some elements in Iran remain
> hostile to the United States. U.S. citizens should
> remain cautious and be aware that there may be a more
> aggressive focus by the Iranian government on terrorist
> activity against U.S citizens. No part of Syria should
> be considered immune from violence, and the potential
> exists throughout the country for unpredictable and
> hostile acts, including kidnappings, sniper assaults,
> large and small-scale bombings, as well as arbitrary
> arrest, detention, and torture. The conflict in Syria
> has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths with many
> thousands wounded and over one million displaced
> persons.
>
> In September 2012, civil unrest, large scale
> protests and demonstrations as well as violent attacks -
> some of which were in reaction to an anti-Islamic video
> and cartoons - targeted U.S. missions and schools
> overseas including in Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, and
> Yemen. U.S. citizens are warned that demonstrations
> intended to be peaceful can escalate into violent
> clashes. U.S. citizens are also reminded that
> demonstrations and riots can occur with little or no
> warning. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid areas of
> demonstrations if possible and to exercise caution if
> within the vicinity of a demonstration.
>
> AFRICA: A number of al-Qaida operatives and other
> extremists are believed to be operating in and around
> Africa. In February 2012, the emir of U.S-designated
> Foreign Terrorist Organization al-Shabaab and al-Qaida's
> leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, announced the alliance of the
> two organizations. Al-Shabaab assassinations, suicide
> bombings, 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, African Union
> Missions in Somalia and non-military targets.
> Additionally, the terrorist group al-Qaida in the Lands
> of the Islamic Maghreb (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. The
> loosely organized group of factions known as Boko Haram
> continues to carry out significant improvised explosive
> device and suicide bombings in northern Nigeria, mainly
> targeting government forces and innocent civilians;
> attacks have increased since their attack on the UN
> building in the capital of Abuja last year. The
> president of Nigeria declared a state of emergency in
> certain areas in response to activities of extremist
> groups. AQIM and related extremist groups have
> threatened to attack and kidnap Westerners in Mali and
> the region in response to the U.S.-supported French
> intervention in Northern and Central Mali, where the
> political conditions remain fluid, and the Malian
> government has yet to reassert control over its northern
> provinces.
>
> U.S. citizens considering travel by sea near the
> Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should
> exercise extreme caution, as there have been armed
> attacks, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom by
> pirates. Merchant vessels continue to be hijacked in
> Somali territorial waters, while others have been
> hijacked as far as 1,000 nautical miles off the coast of
> Somalia, Yemen, and Kenya in international waters.
>
> 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 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. Review our
> International Maritime Piracy Fact Sheet for information
> on piracy in the southern Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and
> the Indian Ocean.
>
> 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-Qaida, Taliban
> elements, Lashkar-e-Taiba, indigenous sectarian groups,
> and other terror organizations, many of which are on the
> U.S. government's list of Foreign Terror Organizations
> (FTOs), poses a potential danger to U.S. citizens in the
> region. Terrorists and their sympathizers have
> demonstrated their willingness and ability to attack
> targets where U.S. citizens or Westerners are known to
> congregate or visit. Their actions may include, but are
> not limited to, vehicle-born explosive attacks,
> improvised explosive device attacks, assassinations,
> carjackings, rocket attacks, assaults, or kidnappings.
>
> Such attacks have occurred in a number of South
> Asian states, including Pakistan, where a number of
> extremist groups continue to target U.S. and other
> Western citizens and interests, and Pakistani government
> and military/law enforcement personnel. Suicide bombing
> attacks continue to occur throughout the country on a
> regular basis, often targeting government authorities
> such as police checkpoints and military installations,
> as well as public areas such as mosques, and shopping
> areas. Kidnappings of U.S. citizens are also on the
> increase. No part of Afghanistan should be considered
> immune from violence, and the potential exists
> throughout the country for hostile acts, either targeted
> or random, against U.S. and other Western nationals at
> any time. Elements of the Taliban and the al-Qaida
> terrorist network, as well as other groups hostile to
> International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) military
> operations, remain active. There is an ongoing threat
> of kidnapping and assassination of U.S. citizens and
> Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) workers throughout
> the country. India has experienced terrorist and
> insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens
> directly or indirectly. Anti-Western terrorist groups,
> some on the U.S. government's list of designated Foreign
> Terrorist Organizations, have been active in India,
> including Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-
> Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen,
> Jaish-e-Mohammed, and the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e
> Tayyiba. Terrorists have targeted public places in
> India frequented by Westerners, including luxury and
> other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas,
> mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas.
>
> Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and other countries
> experienced civil unrest, large scale protests and
> demonstrations following the release of anti-Islamic
> videos and cartoons in September 2012.
>
> CENTRAL ASIA: Supporters of terrorist groups such
> as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, al-Qaida, 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.
>
> -------------
> Before You Go
> -------------
>
> The Department of State encourages 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
> "A Safe Trip Abroad" on our website,
> http://travel.state.gov/.
> Caution to update 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 increase their security
> awareness. This replaces the Worldwide Caution dated
> July 18, 2012, to provide updated information on
> security threats and terrorist activities worldwide.
>
> 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. Current information suggests that
> al-Qaida, its affiliated organizations, and other
> terrorist organizations continue to plan terrorist
> attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions,
> including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
> These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics
> including suicide operations, assassinations,
> kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings.
>
> 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, 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 al-Qaida,
> its affiliated organizations, and other terrorist groups
> continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. and
> Western interests in Europe. Additionally, there is a
> continuing threat in Europe from unaffiliated persons
> planning attacks inspired by major terrorist
> organizations but conducted on an individual basis. On
> February 1, 2013, an individual detonated a bomb at a
> side entrance to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, killing one
> Embassy guard and injuring others. The Revolutionary
> People's Liberation Party/Front (Devrimci Halk Kurtulus
> Partisi/Cephesi or DHKP/C) claimed responsibility for
> the attack on its website. The DHKP/C has stated its
> intention to commit further attacks against the United
> States, NATO, and Turkey. European governments have
> taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and
> some have made official declarations regarding
> heightened threat conditions. In the past several
> years, attacks have been planned or carried out in
> various European countries. On February 5, the
> Bulgarian government announced its judgment that
> Hizbollah was responsible for a July 2012 terrorist
> attack in Burgas which resulted in the deaths of five
> tourists and a bus driver.
>
> 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. Terrorist organizations continue to be
> active in Yemen, including al-Qaida in the Arabian
> Peninsula (AQAP). Security threat levels remain high
> in Yemen due to terrorist activities and civil unrest.
> In September 2012, a mob of Yemeni protestors attacked
> the U.S. Embassy compound. U.S. citizens have also been
> the targets of numerous terrorist attacks in Lebanon in
> the past (though none recently) and the threat of anti-
> Western terrorist activity continues to exist there.
> There are a number of extremist groups operating in
> Lebanon, including Hizballah, a group designated by the
> U.S. government as a terrorist organization. Iraq
> remains dangerous and unpredictable. U.S. military
> forces departed as of December 31, 2011, but the threat
> of attacks against U.S. citizens, including kidnapping
> and terrorist violence, continues. In Algeria, Al-Qaida
> in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is active and
> operates throughout the country. Terrorists
> sporadically attack westerners and Algerian targets,
> particularly in the Kabylie region, and near Algeria's
> borders with Libya and Mali. In January, terrorists
> attacked a natural gas facility at In Amenas resulting
> in the deaths of dozens, including three U.S. citizens.
> Terrorists have also targeted oil processing plants in
> Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Some elements in Iran remain
> hostile to the United States. U.S. citizens should
> remain cautious and be aware that there may be a more
> aggressive focus by the Iranian government on terrorist
> activity against U.S citizens. No part of Syria should
> be considered immune from violence, and the potential
> exists throughout the country for unpredictable and
> hostile acts, including kidnappings, sniper assaults,
> large and small-scale bombings, as well as arbitrary
> arrest, detention, and torture. The conflict in Syria
> has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths with many
> thousands wounded and over one million displaced
> persons.
>
> In September 2012, civil unrest, large scale
> protests and demonstrations as well as violent attacks -
> some of which were in reaction to an anti-Islamic video
> and cartoons - targeted U.S. missions and schools
> overseas including in Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, and
> Yemen. U.S. citizens are warned that demonstrations
> intended to be peaceful can escalate into violent
> clashes. U.S. citizens are also reminded that
> demonstrations and riots can occur with little or no
> warning. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid areas of
> demonstrations if possible and to exercise caution if
> within the vicinity of a demonstration.
>
> AFRICA: A number of al-Qaida operatives and other
> extremists are believed to be operating in and around
> Africa. In February 2012, the emir of U.S-designated
> Foreign Terrorist Organization al-Shabaab and al-Qaida's
> leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, announced the alliance of the
> two organizations. Al-Shabaab assassinations, suicide
> bombings, 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, African Union
> Missions in Somalia and non-military targets.
> Additionally, the terrorist group al-Qaida in the Lands
> of the Islamic Maghreb (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. The
> loosely organized group of factions known as Boko Haram
> continues to carry out significant improvised explosive
> device and suicide bombings in northern Nigeria, mainly
> targeting government forces and innocent civilians;
> attacks have increased since their attack on the UN
> building in the capital of Abuja last year. The
> president of Nigeria declared a state of emergency in
> certain areas in response to activities of extremist
> groups. AQIM and related extremist groups have
> threatened to attack and kidnap Westerners in Mali and
> the region in response to the U.S.-supported French
> intervention in Northern and Central Mali, where the
> political conditions remain fluid, and the Malian
> government has yet to reassert control over its northern
> provinces.
>
> U.S. citizens considering travel by sea near the
> Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should
> exercise extreme caution, as there have been armed
> attacks, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom by
> pirates. Merchant vessels continue to be hijacked in
> Somali territorial waters, while others have been
> hijacked as far as 1,000 nautical miles off the coast of
> Somalia, Yemen, and Kenya in international waters.
>
> 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 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. Review our
> International Maritime Piracy Fact Sheet for information
> on piracy in the southern Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and
> the Indian Ocean.
>
> 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-Qaida, Taliban
> elements, Lashkar-e-Taiba, indigenous sectarian groups,
> and other terror organizations, many of which are on the
> U.S. government's list of Foreign Terror Organizations
> (FTOs), poses a potential danger to U.S. citizens in the
> region. Terrorists and their sympathizers have
> demonstrated their willingness and ability to attack
> targets where U.S. citizens or Westerners are known to
> congregate or visit. Their actions may include, but are
> not limited to, vehicle-born explosive attacks,
> improvised explosive device attacks, assassinations,
> carjackings, rocket attacks, assaults, or kidnappings.
>
> Such attacks have occurred in a number of South
> Asian states, including Pakistan, where a number of
> extremist groups continue to target U.S. and other
> Western citizens and interests, and Pakistani government
> and military/law enforcement personnel. Suicide bombing
> attacks continue to occur throughout the country on a
> regular basis, often targeting government authorities
> such as police checkpoints and military installations,
> as well as public areas such as mosques, and shopping
> areas. Kidnappings of U.S. citizens are also on the
> increase. No part of Afghanistan should be considered
> immune from violence, and the potential exists
> throughout the country for hostile acts, either targeted
> or random, against U.S. and other Western nationals at
> any time. Elements of the Taliban and the al-Qaida
> terrorist network, as well as other groups hostile to
> International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) military
> operations, remain active. There is an ongoing threat
> of kidnapping and assassination of U.S. citizens and
> Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) workers throughout
> the country. India has experienced terrorist and
> insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens
> directly or indirectly. Anti-Western terrorist groups,
> some on the U.S. government's list of designated Foreign
> Terrorist Organizations, have been active in India,
> including Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-
> Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen,
> Jaish-e-Mohammed, and the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e
> Tayyiba. Terrorists have targeted public places in
> India frequented by Westerners, including luxury and
> other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas,
> mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas.
>
> Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and other countries
> experienced civil unrest, large scale protests and
> demonstrations following the release of anti-Islamic
> videos and cartoons in September 2012.
>
> CENTRAL ASIA: Supporters of terrorist groups such
> as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, al-Qaida, 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.
>
> -------------
> Before You Go
> -------------
>
> The Department of State encourages 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
> "A Safe Trip Abroad" on our website,
> http://travel.state.gov/.
> 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 Messages, all of
> which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs
> website at http://travel.state.gov. Stay up to date by
> bookmarking our website or downloading our free Smart
> Traveler iPhone or Android App for travel information at
> your fingertips. 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).
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