“Get Your Kicks on Route 66”
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“Get Your Kicks on Route 66”
“Get Your Kicks on Route 66”
Paris, France
February 19, 2013
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.
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.
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Before You Go
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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, ttp://travel.state.
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.
> 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).
United States Embassy
American Citizen Services Unit
4, avenue Gabriel
75382 Paris Cedex 08
France
Telephone in France: 01 43 12 22 22
Telephone from U.S.: (011 33) 1 43 12 22 22
Website: http://france.usembassy.gov
E-mail: citizeninfo@state.gov
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