Travel Update-Weekly Edition

October 11th, 2007

Airline News

 

 

 

Worldwide: On October 9, the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Worldwide Caution Public Announcement: "This Public Announcement updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated 10 April 2007 and expires on 9 April 2008. "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 and affiliated 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 assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings. "Ongoing events in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. "In August 2006, British authorities arrested a significant number of extremists engaged in a plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States. The September 2006 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Syria and the March 2006 bombing near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike American targets.
"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, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays. In August 2007, two bombs exploded almost simultaneously at an amusement park and a restaurant in India, killing at least 42 people. In June 2007, two unexploded car bombs were discovered in London. Financial or economic targets of value may also be considered as possible venues; the vehicle-based suicide attack on an oil facility near Mukalla and Marib in Yemen in September 2006 and the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 are such examples. "In the wake of the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, numerous terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets. In June 2007, a car was driven into the main terminal at Glasgow International Airport and burst into flames. The car bomb failed to detonate. "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."

 

Afghanistan- On October 11, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy wishes to inform American citizens in Afghanistan that insurgent activity utilizing suicide bombers and vehicle borne improvised explosive devices (IEDs) targeting Afghanistan Military and Police as well as coalition forces have increased during this period of Ramadan, both within the Kabul urban area and throughout Afghanistan. Loss of life to GOA officials, coalition members and innocent civilians has been significant. The likelihood of sustained terrorist activity through the end of Ramadan and through the conclusion of the EID festivity period can be expected."

 

Brazil - On October 5, the U.S. Consulate General Sao Paulo issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Consulate wishes to alert U.S. Citizens residing or traveling to the city of Sao Paulo, in Brazil, that some sections of Avenida Giovanni Gronchi in Morumbi, a major avenue and where the American school is located have seen an increase in a level of serious crime. In recent months there have been two serious incidents resulting in the deaths of three victims who were shot at the intersection of Avenida Gronchi & Rua Alberto Alves. "The U.S. Consulate in Sao Paulo continues to monitor security conditions in our consular district and, as always, will promptly disseminate information affecting the safety of Americans abroad through its consular warden message program."

 

Burkina Faso - On October 9, the U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso issued the following Warden Message: "The Warden Message is being sent to alert American citizens of reports that 200-300 army soldiers held a peaceful gathering on 9 October near the Armed Forces headquarters in Ouagadougou's Central Market area to present demands for improved pension and other benefits. "In addition, please note that on Monday, October 15, several public events are expected to take place to commemorate the 20th anniversary of President Blaise Compaore's coming to power. This date also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the death of the former President Thomas Sankara. "In general, the Embassy urges U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution in the vicinity of any protest, and if at all possible to avoid crowds, political gatherings, and demonstrations, even if they appear to be peaceful. As noted in the consular information sheet for Burkina Faso, although demonstrations are generally peaceful, there have been several incidents of violence and destruction within recent years."

 

Myanmar - On October 5, the U.S. Embassy in Yangon issued the following Warden Message: "The Myanmar Government has informed the public that the curfew in Yangon is now in effect every day from 2200 to 0400. We strongly recommend that all American citizens avoid travel during curfew hours. U.S. citizens should defer non-essential travel to Myanmar at this time. American citizens resident in Myanmar should avoid all demonstrations and processions, as they could turn violent with little or no warning, as has happened recently."

 

Turkey - On October 9, the U.S. Embassy in Ankara issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is being sent to alert U.S. citizens in Turkey to anticipate legislative activity in the U.S. House of representative and its possible consequences in Turkey. "On October 10, the House International Relations Committee will consider a non-binding resolution connected with Armenia and the events of 1915. The Administration has made its opposition to any resolution on this topic clear. If, despite the Administration's concerted efforts against this resolution, it passes committee and makes its way to the floor of the House for debate and a possible vote, there could be a reaction in the form of demonstrations and other manifestations of anti-Americanism throughout Turkey. Demonstrations could occur following committee action or later, if and when the resolution is considered by the full House of Representatives. Protestors targeted French interests in October 2006, after the French National Assembly passed a bill regarding the issue. "The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Turkey to be alert to the potential for demonstrations, and to avoid large gatherings. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible. Particular caution should be exercised in places known to be frequented by Americans."

 

Previous Updates

October 4, 2007
September 27, 2007
September 20, 2007
September 13, 2007
September 6, 2007
August 30, 2007
August 23, 2007
August 16, 2007
August 9, 2007
August 2, 2007
July 26, 2007
July 20, 2007
July 12, 2007
May 31, 2007
May 17, 2007
May 10, 2007
May 3, 2007
April 27, 2007
April 26, 2007
April 19, 2007
April 12, 2007
April 9, 2007