Travel Update-Weekly Edition

Miscellaneous

Chad - On April 12, the U.S. Embassy in N'djamena issued the following Warden Message: "The Embassy continues to receive reports of rebel movements close to N'djamena. We have consolidated a number of Embassy families in order to minimize movement through town. All Americans should stay in their residences. Avoid all travel around N'djamena, and await further information from the Embassy radio net. We have requested the State Department to approve voluntary departure of dependents and non-essential personnel. The Embassy can be contacted at 51-70-09."
Nepal - On April 12, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning, which reads in part as follows: "This Travel Warning is being updated to alert American citizens that due to ongoing security concerns in Nepal the U.S. Embassy has been granted authorized departure status. Family members and non-emergency American employees have permission to depart Nepal. American citizens are urged to evaluate their personal security posture and consider whether it is appropriate to remain in Nepal. American citizens also are advised that His Majesty’s Government of Nepal continues to use curfews to control the growing number of large and widespread demonstrations. The Department of State urges American citizens to defer non-essential travel to Nepal and urges those Americans currently in Nepal consider departing."
Pakistan - On April 7, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: "Due to on-going concerns about the possibility of terrorist activity directed against American citizens and interests, the Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Pakistan. The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar continue to operate at reduced staffing levels. "Al-Qaida and Taliban elements continue to operate inside Pakistan, particularly along the porous Afghan border region. Their presence, coupled with that of indigenous sectarian and militant groups in Pakistan, continues to pose potential danger to American citizens. Continuing tensions in the Middle East also increase the possibility of violence against Westerners in Pakistan. As security has tightened at official U.S. facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack more vulnerable targets, including facilities where Americans are generally known to congregate or visit, such as hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, or outdoor recreation events. On March 2, a suicide bomber detonated a car packed with explosives as a vehicle carrying an American Foreign Service officer passed by on its way to Consulate Karachi. The diplomat, the Consulate’s locally-employed driver and three other people were killed in the blast; 52 others were wounded. In September 2005, McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants in Karachi were bombed, resulting in multiple injuries. Another bomb was detonated near American and other businesses in Karachi in November 2005, killing three people and wounding 15 others."
Uzbekistan - On April 7, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: "This Travel Warning is being issued to remind U.S. citizens that, despite the fact that there have been no violent incidents in Uzbekistan since May 2005, the potential for a terrorist attack or civil disturbance still exists. In addition, relations between the U.S. and Uzbekistan have deteriorated over the past year. Uzbekistan no longer allows the Peace Corps to operate and has ended the U.S. military presence in the country. Visas are difficult to obtain and are often valid for very limited duration. The Department of State continues to urge Americans in Uzbekistan to exercise extreme caution. "Anyone considering travel to Andijon should bear in mind that on May 13, 2005, armed militants stormed a local prison, released its prisoners, and then took control of the regional administration and other government buildings in the Andijon province. Fighting broke out between government forces and the militants, and reports indicated that several hundred civilians died in the ensuing violence. There were no reports of U.S. citizens who were affected by these events. The Department of State advises particular caution as the first anniversary of this event approaches. "The United States Government continues to receive information that indicates that terrorist groups may be planning future attacks, possibly against U.S. interests, in Uzbekistan. Supporters of terrorist groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Al-Qaida, the Islamic Jihad Union, and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement are active in the region. Members of these groups have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and have attacked U.S. Government interests in the past, including the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, and may attempt to target U.S. Government or private American interests in Uzbekistan. The Department of State urges Americans in Uzbekistan to exercise extreme caution. In the past, these groups have been known to conduct kidnappings, assassinations and suicide bombings. "Terrorist groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. As security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers seek softer targets. These may include facilities where Americans and other foreigners congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events, and resorts. "The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent continues to employ heightened security precautions. U.S. citizens should report any unusual activity to local authorities and then inform the Embassy. "The Uzbek Government maintains travel restrictions on large parts of the Surkhandarya province bordering Afghanistan, including the border city of Termez. American citizens intending to travel to this region must obtain a special permission card from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs or Uzbek embassies and consulates abroad."