Travel Update-Weekly Edition

East Africa - The U.S. Department of State has issued a Public Announcement for East Africa which reads in part as follows: "This Public Announcement is being re-issued to remind Americans of the continuing potential for terrorist actions against U.S. citizens in East Africa, particularly along the East African coast, to alert Americans to continuing sporadic violence in Somalia, and to note a number of incidents of maritime piracy near the horn of Africa and the southern Red Sea.  This supersedes the Public Announcement of January 4, 2007, and expires on February 29, 2008. A number of Al-Qaida operatives and other extremists are believed to be operating in and around East Africa.  As a result of the recent conflict and continuing tension in Somalia, some of these individuals have sought to relocate elsewhere in the region, and others may seek to do so.  Americans considering travel to the region and those already there should review their plans carefully, remain vigilant with regard to their personal security, and exercise caution.  Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings or targeting maritime vessels.  Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.  Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists to seek softer targets such as hotels, beach resorts, prominent public places, and landmarks.  In particular, terrorists may target civil aviation and seaports.  Americans in remote areas or border regions where military or police authority is limited or non-existent could also become targets. 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, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom at sea by pirates during the past several years.  Merchant vessels continue to be hijacked in Somali territorial waters, while others have been hijacked as far as 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia in international waters.  The 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 contact at all times.

 

Haiti - The U.S. Embassy in Haiti issued the following Warden Message regarding ongoing security concerns in Haiti as reported on September 4, 2007: "This Travel Warning is being issued to remind American citizens of ongoing security concerns in Haiti, including frequent kidnappings of Americans for ransom. Travelers are strongly advised to thoroughly consider the risks before travel to Haiti, and to take adequate precautions to ensure their safety if traveling to Haiti. This Travel Warning reinstates and updates the Travel Warning issued January 10, 2007. "U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Haiti are reminded that there is a chronic danger of violent crime, especially kidnappings. Most kidnappings are criminal in nature, and the kidnappers make no distinctions of nationality, race, gender or age; all are vulnerable. As of the date of this travel warning, there have been 12 Americans kidnapped in 2007, most in Port au Prince. Past kidnappings have been marked by deaths, physical and sexual assault, and shooting of Americans. The lack of civil protections in Haiti, as well as the limited capability of local law enforcement to resolve kidnapping cases, further compounds the element of danger surrounding this trend. "U.S. citizens are also reminded of the potential for spontaneous protests and public demonstrations that can occur at any time, day or night, and may result in violence. American citizens are advised to take commonsense precautions and avoid any event where crowds may congregate. Visitors and residents must remain vigilant due to the absence of an effective police force in much of Haiti, the potential for looting, the presence of intermittent roadblocks set by armed gangs or by the police, and the possibility of random violent crime, including carjacking and assault. "Travel is hazardous within Port-au-Prince. Some areas are off-limits to embassy staff, including downtown Port-au-Prince, after dark. U.S. Embassy personnel are under an embassy-imposed curfew and must remain in their homes or in U.S. government facilities during the curfew. The embassy limits travel by its staff to areas outside of Port-au-Prince and therefore the ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Port-au-Prince is constrained. The UN stabilization force (MINUSTAH) remains fully deployed and is assisting the government of Haiti in providing security."

 

Jamaica - On September 4, the U.S. Embassy in Kingston issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is being issued to alert American citizens traveling to and residing in Jamaica to heightened political tensions and possibilities for unrest in many areas of the country concerning post-election uncertainties following the general elections held on September 3, 2007. At the time of this message a recount of ballots is ongoing, final election results have not been determined, and ongoing incidents of politically-motivated violence are occurring. It is very likely that acts of political violence will continue for some time even after election results are announced, whether in connection with celebratory demonstrations or in opposition to the announced outcome. "American citizens are strongly advised to refrain from venturing out at night during the current period of political uncertainty and tension. In particular, Americans should stay off the streets throughout the evening of 4 September and exercise special caution and vigilance until the potential for violence subsides. After election results are announced, Americans are urged to monitor radio, television and media reports for updates until it is assured that post-election violence has cleared. American citizens are encouraged to avoid areas where traffic blockages occur and where demonstrations are occurring."

 

Nigeria - On September 6 the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos issued the following Warden Message: “The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has received information that U.S. and other Western interests in Nigeria are currently at risk for terrorist attacks. Potential targets include official and commercial installations in Abuja and Lagos. ”The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos have, therefore, encouraged their employees to take an active role in their own personal safety by reviewing their security practices and making any needed changes. The following are suggested tips for both work and social activities: “Maintain situational awareness. Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right it probably is not. Vary routes and times to and from work. Predictability leads to vulnerability – be unpredictable. Maintain a low personal profile and avoid drawing attention to yourself. Carry a charged and turned on cell phone at all times (and/or radio), programmed with emergency contact numbers. In traffic, always attempt to leave space in which to maneuver; one car length between you and the car in front of you is the generally recommended distance. Always leave yourself an exit. Be prepared to take evasive action. Avoid choke points if possible – an example of a chokepoint is an intersection, bridge, or road that you must travel in order to get to your destination. If you cannot avoid the choke point, then raise your level of awareness when passing through it, looking for anything out of the ordinary that could be surveillance or a potential threat. When at all possible, avoid public locations where Westerners frequent or congregate. Use good judgment during activities, regardless of location; ensure all family members are briefed on security measures; Have a plan and play the “what if” game: Think about what you would do in various situations, ideally first to avoid, or alternatively to escape a potentially threatening situation; Run scenario-based situations through your mind – this can shorten the reaction time and is a proven technique.”