Travel Update-Weekly Edition

India - The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi issued the following Warden Message on November 23: "Given the serial explosions and tragic loss of life today in the Uttar Pradesh towns of Lucknow, Faizabad and Varanasi, the Embassy urges all Americans in India to maintain vigilance and familiarize themselves with the Safety and Security section of the Consular Information Sheet located on our Embassy website http://newdelhi.usemabssy.gov excerpted below:
"SAFETY AND SECURITY: A number of anti-Western terrorist groups (some of which are on the U.S. government's list of foreign terrorist organizations are believed to be active in India, including, but not limited to, Islamic extremist groups such as Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e Tayyiba. While historically Jammu and Kashmir have been a focal point of terrorist activity, bomb blasts resulting in deaths and injuries have occurred in public places such as markets, as well as on public transportation such as trains and buses throughout India. Examples of major attacks in recent years include the detonation of explosive devices on a train northwest of Delhi (February 2007), simultaneous attacks on Mumbai commuter trains (July 2006), simultaneous attacks on a train station and places of worship in Varanasi (March 2006), and simultaneous attacks on several markets in New Delhi (October 2005). A number of other terrorist incidents causing fewer casualties have also occurred, including a few in which American citizens were injured. The motive for many of these attacks has not been clearly established, although it is believed that U.S. citizens were not specifically targeted or injured in any of these attacks. Specific areas of concern are addressed under "Areas of Instability." "Beyond the threat from terrorism, demonstrations are also likely to cause disruption. Protests can begin spontaneously and escalate with little warning, disrupting transportation systems and city services and posing risks to travelers' personal safety. In response to such events, Indian authorities occasionally impose curfews and/or restrict travel. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid demonstrations and rallies as they have the potential for violence, especially immediately preceding and following elections. In addition, religious and inter-caste violence is unpredictable and occurs occasionally. In some cases, demonstrators specifically block roads near popular tourist sites in order to gain the attention of Indian authorities, although tourists are rarely attacked in these incidents. Mobs have, however, attacked Indian and American missionaries and social workers as such activity provokes strong reactions in some areas. U.S. citizens should monitor local television and print media and contact the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. Consulate for further information about the current situation in areas where they wish to travel."

 

Lebanon - On November 26, the U.S. Department of State issued a Public Announcement for Lebanon which reads in part: "This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to safety and security concerns related to the presidential election in Lebanon.  This Public Announcement expires on January 30, 2008. The U.S. Department of State is concerned that the current presidential election season in Lebanon may pose security issues for U.S. citizens in Lebanon.  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud’s term of office ended on November 24, 2007.  On November 23, President Lahoud declared a state of emergency and asked the Army to take control of the country’s security. There is a strong possibility for demonstrations and unrest during this period.  The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens who live, work, or are traveling in Lebanon to exercise responsible security practices.  Be aware of your surroundings and avoid potentially threatening events such as demonstrations or other public gatherings. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  U.S. citizens should maintain a low profile in public and avoid predictable or habitual behavior.

 

Netherlands - The U.S. Consulate in Amsterdam released the following Warden Message on November 28: "The Consulate General wishes to alert U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in The Netherlands that demonstrations by secondary school students have taken place during the past week, and may continue over the next days. A gathering on Monday, 26 November on the Museumplein in Amsterdam turned violent, with students throwing rocks and other material, and the police responding with water canons. Although the Consulate General has not been notified of specific demonstrations planned, there have been calls on the internet for students to resume demonstrations throughout The Netherlands on Wednesday morning, November 28. There have also been calls for protests to continue over the following days. American Citizens are advised to exercise caution, and to avoid large groups of secondary school students. "As noted in the Consular Information Sheet for the Netherlands, demonstrations and other public gatherings are commonplace in the Netherlands and may range in number from a few people to several thousand. Prior police approval is required for public demonstrations, and police oversight is routinely provided. Nonetheless, situations may develop which could pose a threat to public safety. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid areas in which public demonstrations are taking place."

 

Serbia- On November 23 the U.S. Office in Pristina issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Office Pristina is issuing this Warden Message to remind American citizens that there may still be unexploded ordinance or landmines in Kosovo. Recently, four children were injured when they triggered an unexploded landmine while herding sheep near Ferizaj. Police suspect the landmine was left behind during the 1998-1999 conflict. American citizens are advised to use caution when traveling off normal routes. "In the event further information is obtained regarding this or any other security or safety situation in Kosovo, USOP will provide updates via this same channel and on the Mission's web site: http://pristina.usmission.gov. American citizens may contact USOP during working hours by calling +381 38 5959 3000 ext 3119. USOP's duty officer may be reached after hours via this same number or at +377 44 153 594."

 

Sri Lanka - The U.S. Embassy in Colombo released the following Warden Message on November 28: "Today at approximately 8:25am a female suicide bomber detonated a suicide vest inside the Ministry of Social Affairs in the immediate proximity of the office of Minister Douglas Devananda (EPDP), Isipatana Lane, Narahenpita in Colombo 05. In addition to the bomber, two other people were killed and at least three others were treated for minor wounds. Police and military personnel have cordoned off the area. "The Embassy reminds American citizens to continue to be aware of their surroundings and vigilant about their personal security. As always, Americans are advised to be on alert when visiting government facilities and high-profile public venues. Americans should also continue to avoid military installations, military convoys traveling on the roads and, where possible, government buildings, as they have in the past been targets for LTTE violence. There are likely to be traffic disruptions as Sri Lankan security forces increase their security checks. "Americans are again reminded to cooperate fully with Sri Lankan security forces as they implement increased security measures."

 

Togo - The U.S. Embassy in Lomé released the following Warden Message on November 27: "American citizens are advised that within the past weeks there has been an increase in crime in Lomé. Specifically local authorities warn of a rise in violent robberies and car-jacking incidents targeting both foreigners and Togolese alike. Togolese authorities warn that motorists should only stop for individuals in uniform, particularly after dark. "The Embassy’s Regional Security Office would like to take the opportunity to remind you of best practices concerning your personal security and share the following security precautions: avoid traveling alone even within Lomé city limits, especially after dark; always lock your car doors and roll your windows up when driving, when possible travel in a group and avoid moving around on foot; park in guarded lots (or near restaurants with guards outside) and observe your surroundings before exiting your vehicle, be aware of everything going on around you; In case of attack, surrender your valuables quickly and calmly, do not resist, argue or try to get away."

 

Yemen - The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa released the following Warden Message on November 27: "Due to celebrations surrounding the thirtieth anniversary of South Yemen’s independence from British occupation on November 30, 2007, large celebratory gatherings throughout Aden are expected in honor of the event. Significant congestion of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic is also expected. In anticipation of wide support for this holiday in Aden, the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa has prohibited all American personnel from traveling to Aden from November 29 through December 1. "As a result of an active Al-Qaeda presence in Yemen and the ongoing threat that Western interests may be targeted, the Embassy urges U.S. citizens in Yemen to exercise caution and take prudent measures to maintain their security: maintain a high level of vigilance, avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile, vary times and routes for all travel, and ensure travel documents are current."

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