Travel Update-Weekly Edition

Cameroon - On October 18, the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy has received reports of an incident which took place in Bamenda on 16 October 2007, involving the police and motor-taxi operators. Motor-taxi operators complaining of police harassment allegedly organized and attempted to burn down a police station. The police fired at them and killed two individuals while six officers were also injured. Although the crisis seems to have quieted down to some degree, there are lingering tensions as motor-taxi operators seek support from vehicular-taxi operators in carrying forward their complaint. "Americans are urged to exercise particular caution if you must travel to Bamenda before this dispute is resolved. Whenever possible, avoid police stations, public places, or other locations where further conflict might occur. If you witness a riot or feel threatened, immediately go to a safe location and contact the Embassy."

 

Ecuador - On October 19 the U.S. Embassy in Quito issued the following Warden Message: "This is to inform American citizens visiting or resident in Ecuador that the US Embassy in Quito received reports of increased activity at Tungurahua Volcano, approximately 140 kilometers south of Quito near Baņos. To date, only increased seismic activity, and limited emissions of ash and gas have been reported. Geologists are monitoring the volcano closely. Reports are available at http://www.igepn.edu.ec, under 'volcanoes.'  Although the alert status has not changed, volcanic conditions can change rapidly. Tungurahua erupted last year causing significant damage, displacement, deaths, and injuries. Ash from the eruption affected not just the immediate vicinity of the volcano but also closed the city of Baņos. American citizens are advised to exercise caution in the area around Tungurahua Volcano and to verify that roads and tourist facilities are open before traveling. Because Ecuador is in a region of frequent volcanoes and earthquakes, Americans are advised to keep extra food and water in your homes, and consider purchasing dust masks and heavy gloves to protect hands during ash clean-up."

 

Hungary - On October 19 the U.S. Embassy in Budapest issued the following Warden Message: "Between October 21 and November 4, there will be more than 100 events throughout Budapest that will commemorate the 51st Anniversary of the 1956 Revolution. During this period, protestors will stage demonstrations against the Hungarian Government. "Police will be posted throughout the city in large numbers to monitor the different events and demonstrations. The police are preparing for the possibility of violence, such as hooligans infiltrating peaceful, legal demonstrations and trying to cause disturbances.

 

Kenya - On October 18, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: "The Department continues to recommend that private American citizens in Kenya evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing terrorist threats and increasing incidents of violent crime. Terrorist acts may include suicide operations, bombings, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports. Violent criminal attacks, including armed carjacking, kidnappings, and home invasions/burglary, can occur at any time and in any location, and are becoming increasingly frequent, brazen, vicious, and often fatal. In January 2007, two family members of a U.S. Embassy employee were killed by armed carjackers. Kenyan authorities have limited capacity to deter and investigate such acts. "U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate and random attacks on civilian targets in public places, including tourist sites and locations where foreigners are known to congregate, as well as commercial operations associated with U.S. or other foreign interests. "American citizens in Kenya should remain vigilant, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as clubs, hotels, resorts, upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and places of worship. Americans should also remain vigilant in residential areas, schools, and at outdoor recreational events, and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds."

 

Nigeria - On October 19 the U.S. Embassy in Abuja issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has received information that the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), an armed militant group located in the Niger Delta, is preparing to launch attacks against unspecified oil installations and pipelines in Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States. These attacks may be preceded by the taking of hostages to be used as human shields. "We recommend that all Americans review their security procedures and remain vigilant to their surroundings. We also encourage all Americans to report specific incidences of targeted violence to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U. S. Consulate General in Lagos

 

Sri Lanka - On October 18, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo issued the following Warden Message: "On October 15, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) attacked a Sri Lankan army camp at Thalgasmankada in the Yala Wildlife Sanctuary, killing six soldiers and wounding three others. Later that evening a vehicle belonging to the Wildlife Department came under attack in the same area. On October 16, a military tractor on its way to collect the bodies of the dead soldiers drove over a land mine and was heavily damaged. On October 17, a vehicle belonging to the Wildlife Department was damaged by an antipersonnel mine explosion, injuring three. The Yala Wildlife Sanctuary remains closed to visitors at this time. "These incidents took place in a tourist area of the Yala Wildlife Sanctuary, but foreigners were not the target of the attacks and none were injured. Although foreigners were not specifically targeted, the proximity of the attacks to tourist sites and the LTTE's use of land mines highlight the continued risk to non-combatants who may be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Embassy therefore reminds all Americans to be aware of their surroundings and to be vigilant about their personal security. Americans are advised to avoid military installations and should comply with all instructions from security forces and police when traveling in Sri Lanka."