Travel Update-Weekly Edition

May 17th, 2007

Chad -  On May 11, the U.S. Embassy in N'Djamena issued the following Warden Message: "Mobilization and movement of troops has been observed in N'Djamena over the last two weeks. As noted in the Chad Travel Warning, there is a potential for further clashes between rebel movements and government forces in eastern and southeastern Chad before the onset of the rainy season. Americans are reminded to remain vigilant in regards to their personal security, to carry a reliable communication device, and to let others know where you are going and when you'll be back. Americans not affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts are advised by the State Department's most recent travel warning to Chad to avoid travel to eastern Chad and the Chad/Central African Republic border."

 

East Timor - On May 11, the U. S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning for East Timor which reads in part: "This Travel Warning is being updated to inform Americans of heightened security concerns in East Timor and to warn American citizens to defer travel to East Timor at this time.  Americans currently in East Timor should evaluate carefully their safety and security in light of this Travel Warning.  This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on March 2, 2007. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens of the continued heightened security concerns in East Timor and warns them to defer travel to East Timor at this time.  Americans currently in East Timor should carefully evaluate their safety and security in light of the unstable situation and potential for violent civil unrest.  On February 27, the Government of Indonesia temporarily closed its border with East Timor while the International Stabilization Force (ISF) conducted operations against dissident military leader Alfredo Reinado.  The Government of Indonesia, acting in coordination with the Government of East Timor, has intermittently closed the border during the presidential election period and is expected to do so again until the conclusion of the June 30 parliamentary elections. U.S. citizens in East Timor should exercise extreme caution and maintain a high level of security awareness while moving about in Dili; be alert to the potential for violence; and avoid demonstrations, large gatherings, and areas where disturbances have occurred.  Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence."

 

Guinea - On May 11 the U.S. Embassy in Conakry issued the following Warden Message: "We are issuing this warden message to inform all Americans that troubles continue within the Guinean military over pay and leadership matters. Americans are not targeted. It is important, however, for all of us to exercise greater vigilance when moving about town or within Guinea’s interior. Please avoid military bases and surrounding areas. "The U.S. Embassy has no information about how long these disturbances may continue. We will closely monitor the situation and will issue additional notices, as appropriate."

 

Middle East & North Africa - On May 14, the US. Department of State issued the following Public Announcement: "This Public Announcement is being updated to alert Americans to ongoing security concerns in the Middle East and North Africa, including ongoing violence in Iraq.  U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.  This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement issued on November 20, 2006 and expires on November 20, 2007. Credible information indicates terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa.  Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings, and assassinations.  While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents, must be considered a possible threat.  Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.  Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate, including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas.  The September 2006 attack by assailants used improvised explosives, gunfire, and vehicles laden with explosives on the U.S. Embassy in Syria.  A bombing targeting a bus transporting foreign workers of a U.S. company in Algeria took place in December 2006.  There was a series of bombings in Morocco in March and April 2007, two of which occurred simultaneously outside the U.S. Consulate General and the private American Language Center in Casablanca.  Additionally, an attack took place on the American International School in Gaza in April 2007.  These events underscore the intent of terrorist entities to target facilities perceived to cater to Westerners.  Potential targets are not limited to those companies or establishments with overt U.S. ties.  For instance, terrorists may target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos, or any similar type establishment, regardless of whether they are owned and operated by host country nationals.  Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, Americans should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments. The violence in Iraq and the clashes between Palestinians and Israelis have the potential to produce demonstrations and unrest throughout the region.  In addition, the Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region.  Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation, and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa. The Department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers on the Arabian Peninsula.  Armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance.  Tourist destinations in Egypt that are frequented by Westerners recently have been attacked resulting in many deaths and injuries, including Americans.  Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly at hotels, housing areas, and rental car facilities.  Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests.  Financial or economic venues of value also could be considered as possible targets; the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 and the September 2006 attack on oil facilities in Yemen are examples. Americans considering seaborne travel near the Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there have been several incidents of armed attacks and robberies at sea by pirates in the last year. Military action by U.S. and allied navies in several subsequent incidents resulted in the capture or death of pirates threatening international commerce.  No U.S. citizens have been hurt in these attacks.  When transiting around the Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea near Yemen, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications contact at all times. On occasion, the travel of official personnel at embassies and consulates is restricted because of security concerns, and these posts may recommend that private U.S. citizens avoid the same areas if at all possible.  Services to U.S. citizens in countries abroad may be affected if employees' movements are restricted.  If this happens, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.  In case office hours are reduced, U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before visiting in person."

 

Zimbabwe - On May 11 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Public Announcement: "This Public Announcement informs U.S. citizens of security concerns in Zimbabwe and advises them to carefully consider the risks of travel to Zimbabwe. This Public Announcement is valid until July 31, 2007. "In response to growing public protests against deteriorating conditions in Zimbabwe, the Government has authorized its security forces to suppress any and all dissent by whatever means deemed necessary. Political leaders at the highest levels of the Zimbabwean government are condoning the security forces’ use of violence, including lethal force, against anyone the Government perceives as an opponent. Security forces increasingly are using force against protestors and civilians, often without provocation. The security forces increasingly are acting with impunity. The Government publicly has defended its right to treat individuals roughly, including those in custody, and has warned of more such abuses. A particular concern is the Government’s use of youth militia to suppress dissent. The so-called "Green Bombers" who have perpetrated some of the worst offenses, are undisciplined, and often are under the influence of drugs. "While heavily-populated urban areas remain the focal point for the Government’s crackdown, the Embassy is receiving reports that indiscriminate state-sponsored violence has spread to rural areas, including tourist, hunting, and safari areas. American citizens in Zimbabwe who choose to remain should minimize travel within the country and, to the extent practicable, avoid public places and gatherings. The Government makes frequent use of road blocks to enforce order. Road blocks can be particularly dangerous, and extreme caution should be used when approaching them. When instructed by police or other security officials to stop at a roadblock, comply with these instructions. Travelers are advised to carry a mobile phone or other means of communication. "