DHS & FBI issue security bulletins sent to law enforcement - The Department of Homeland Security and FBI have issued security bulletins to raise awareness regarding "terrorist interest" in attacking sports and entertainment venues as well as luxury hotels. The bulletins, which were sent to law enforcement Monday, Sep. 21, said that authorities did not know of any credible or specific terrorist plots to attack U.S. stadiums, arenas or luxury hotels. However, it said that terrorist groups such as al Qaeda view crowded stadiums and arenas as potential targets. It said hotels are also attractive targets for terrorists. The Department of Homeland Security said it released the notes to assist law enforcement partners as they go about their daily duties.

"While DHS and FBI have no information regarding the timing, location or target of any planned attack, we believe it is prudent to raise the security awareness of our local law enforcement partners regarding the targets and tactics of previous terrorist activity," the department said. The bulletins did not mention the recent arrest of three men in connection with what the Justice Department has said was a plot to detonate bombs in the United States. The men are charged with lying to federal agents during the probe of the alleged plot. The bulletin on stadiums and arenas said that previous attacks against crowd gatherings have included improvised explosive devices and car bombs, "tactics that are also applicable to many stadiums and arenas. "Detained terrorists have also discussed the use of aircraft and chemical weapons to attack stadiums and arenas. " It said the al Qaeda training manual lists " 'blasting and destroying the places of amusement, immorality and sin ... and attacking vital economic centers' as a key objective."

The bulletins on luxury hotels said analysis of previous attacks abroad and thwarted plots showed that terrorists have used paramilitary and "small unit" tactics, explosives, improvised explosive devices and car bombs. It said hotel owners can protect their properties by installing fencing or walls around the buildings and populated areas; implementing random screening of people and their possessions; and training security staff.

H1N1 Virus Update

For the latest information on the Swine (H1N1) flu, including countries affected, go to the World Health Organization (WHO) website: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/ ; Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or the Business Travel Coalition (BTC) website: http://www.netvibes.com/btc#Flu.

State Dept. Travel Warnings and Public Announcements

For the full announcements or further detail on Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, please see http://http://travel.state.gov/travel

China - On September 23 the U.S. Embassy Beijing issued the following Warden Message: This Warden Message is to inform Americans of reports of two stabbing incidents near Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China. According to the Associated Press, a French tourist was slightly injured in a September 19 knife attack on Dashilan near Tiananmen Square, an area frequented by tourists. Two days earlier, two security guards were killed and 14 people wounded in a separate knife attack in the same area. The police have indicated that the attackers chose their victims randomly. Their motivations are unknown. While China's violent crime rate remains low, these recent incidents give American citizens extra reasons to exercise vigilance and care. When in Beijing or other cities in China, Americans are advised to employ the same precautionary measures they would in any large city: when possible, do not travel alone; pay attention to your surroundings, especially when traveling in unfamiliar areas; avoid large demonstrations or protests; carry only as much cash as is absolutely necessary, and store the currency in multiple locations on your person. Travelers are reminded that Chinese regulations require foreigners to carry their passports with them at all times. You may wish to make a photocopy of your passport and visa pages, and store them in a separate place for safekeeping.

Flights in and out of Beijing will be canceled on October 1 from 9:00am -12:00pm local time, in an effort to prevent any untoward action from affecting the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The following domestic flights are expected to be canceled: six flights from Shanghai to Beijing between the hours of 7:55am and 9:00am local time, and seven flights from Beijing to Shanghai departing from 9:05am to 12:00pm local time. The Beijing air traffic controllers will be focusing their efforts on the air force parade team during this time. Flights will not be affected in the afternoon. Security checkpoints were also activated at more than 200 major thoroughfares on September 15. Police officers have begun to check passenger identification in all vehicles and will confiscate any fireworks, knives or fake guns until the conclusion of the event.

Cote D'Ivoire - On September 22 the Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the continued risks of traveling to Cote d'Ivoire and urges them to exercise caution while traveling there. This replaces the Travel Warning for Cote d'Ivoire dated December 15, 2008, to update information on the security and political situation. Cote d'Ivoire has been a divided country since a 2002 failed coup attempt evolved into an armed rebellion that split the country in two. Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo and New Forces leader Guillaume Soro signed the Ouagadougou Political Agreement (OPA) in March 2007, and a new government was formed with Soro as Prime Minister (PM). Implementation of the accord is ongoing, with elections scheduled for late 2009, but the government has not regained full control of the northern part of the country which remains under the de-facto control of the New Forces.

The United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) currently operates a peacekeeping mission, and France maintains the Force Licorn in Cote d'Ivoire in support of UNOCI. Given the unpredictable and sometimes tense situation in regions throughout the country, and the ongoing presence of two distinct military/peacekeeping forces, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution should they travel to Cote d'Ivoire, and to take special care when traveling outside Abidjan. Security conditions in the north and in the west can deteriorate without warning. Embassy personnel traveling to western Cote d'Ivoire are often required to use security escorts provided by the United Nations. U.S. citizens planning travel to Cote d'Ivoire should consult the Embassy or their host organization(s) for the most recent security assessment of the areas where they plan to travel. Crimes such as mugging, robbery, burglary, and carjacking pose the highest risk for foreign visitors in Abidjan. Visitors should be careful when stopped in heavy traffic or at roadblocks due to the threat of violent robbery, and should avoid travel outside of the city after dark. Land routes to neighboring countries are open, although overland travel to Liberia and Guinea is strongly discouraged, and caution is urged when crossing into Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana.

Presidential elections are scheduled for November 29, 2009, but preparations are behind schedule. Although the unstable and unpredictable security environment that led to previous evacuations no longer prevails, Americans traveling to Cote d'Ivoire should follow political developments carefully, as there is potential for violence in the run-up to, and aftermath of, elections. The U.S. Embassy in Abidjan, previously a partially unaccompanied post, allowed minor dependents to return to post as of June 2009. However, Embassy personnel and dependents are required to adhere to strict security policies and procedures. Embassy employees are instructed to be cautious when traveling within Abidjan and not to travel outside of the city at night. Private U.S. citizens are urged to follow the same guidelines.

Embassy personnel must obtain prior approval before traveling more than 35 kilometers outside Abidjan. Some requests may be denied, or multi-vehicle convoys may be required for security reasons. U.S. residents in Cote d'Ivoire should maintain several days' supply of cooking fuel, food, and water at home, and ensure that their vehicles are fully fueled at all times.

Germany - On September 23 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Alert for Germany: "The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens that Al Qaeda has threatened it will conduct terrorist attacks in Germany immediately prior to and following the federal elections on Sept. 27. This Travel Alert expires on Nov. 11. "Al Qaeda recently released a video specifically warning Germany of attacks. German authorities are taking the threat seriously and have taken measures to enhance the level of security throughout the country. "The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to maintain good security practices at all times, and to maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. Americans are advised to monitor news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places or choosing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and recreation venues."

Mozambique - On September 23 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Alert for Mozambique: "The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the potential for violence in Mozambique in association with the Oct. 28, general election. This Travel Alert expires on Nov. 10. "The Embassy has received specific reports of localized civil unrest and violence in Gaza, Nampula, Sofala and Tete provinces. Past elections in Mozambique have featured violence in other areas of the country throughout the campaign season, the election, and especially in the days and weeks following the announcement of election results. "U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Mozambique during this period are reminded to maintain a high level of security awareness at all times and avoid political rallies, demonstrations, and crowds of any kind. U.S. citizens should monitor the situation via local media sources, including TV and radio and via the internet.

Nepal - On September 21 the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu issued the following Warden Message: "The festival season of Dashain and Tihar is fast approaching. Historically during this time there is an increase in criminal activity such as thefts and robberies, clashes, snatching of bags and purses, and house break-ins. Incidents of street harassment by intoxicated individuals also typically increase during this time. Dashain lasts from approximately Sept. 19, through Oct. 2, followed by Tihar, which will take place from Oct.15-19. "Due to the likelihood of increased criminal activity, all American citizens should exercise caution during the festival season. Some steps you can take to mitigate the risk of being a victim of crime include: Avoid or minimize moving around late at night;

Avoid walking alone after dark or going out to bars and clubs by yourself. There is safety in numbers; Utilize a private driver if possible when going out in the evening; If you must use a taxi, note the registration number and details of Driver ID displayed next to the meter; Be careful while hiring taxis. If you notice the driver is apparently intoxicated, exit the vehicle. Do not share a taxi with people you do not know; Do not carry valuables, large amounts of cash or wear expensive jewelry if you intend to visit night spots; Do not park your vehicles on the road or any empty space where there is no attendant. Use a parking lot with attendants and do not leave valuables in vehicles; Be extra careful of pickpockets. Carry cash and valuables in a waist pouch or inside pocket; Do not eat/drink anything offered by strangers; Lock all doors and windows properly when you are at home and when you depart your residence."

Phillipines - On September 17 the State Department warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to the southern Philippine islands of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago and urges extreme caution if traveling there. This replaces the Travel Warning dated January 29, 2009, to reflect continuing threats due to terrorist and insurgent activities. Travelers should exercise extreme caution if traveling in the central and western portions of the island of Mindanao, as well as in the islands of the Sulu Archipelago. Regional terrorist groups have carried out bombings resulting in injuries and death. Since August 2008, there have been sporadic clashes between lawless groups and the Philippine Armed Forces in the Mindanao provinces of North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, as well as the Sulu Archipelago. Kidnap-for-ransom gangs are active and have targeted foreigners. U.S. Government employees must seek special permission for travel to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago. Travelers to these areas should remain vigilant and avoid congregating in public areas. Some foreigners who reside in or visit Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago hire their own security.

Uganda - On September 22 the U.S. Embassy in Kampala issued the following Warden Message: "In response to the recent terrorist attacks in Somalia and U.S. military action resulting in the death of Saleh ali Saleh Nabhan, a leader of Al Qaeda's East Africa operations, and the recent attack attributed to Al Shabaab against African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which included the death and injury of Ugandan soldiers, the U.S. Mission to Uganda would like to remind American citizens of the threat of terrorism against U.S. facilities, personnel, and interests in East Africa. U.S. citizens in Uganda are also reminded of the warning for East Africa that is part of the Worldwide Caution warning of the continuing threat of terrorism in the region.

"Although the U.S. Mission is not aware of specific threat information related to Uganda or U.S. interests in Uganda, U.S. citizens are reminded that a number of Al Qaeda and Al Shabaab operatives and other extremists are believed to be operating in and around East Africa. U.S. citizens residing or traveling in the region should carefully review their travel plans, remain vigilant with regard to personal security, and exercise caution. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, and/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, landmarks, and other prominent public places (i.e., shopping venues). U.S. citizens in remote areas or border regions where military or police presence is limited or non-existent could also become targets.

Yemen - On September 18 the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa issued the following Warden Message: "During the final days of Ramadan and throughout the Eid holiday, the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a remains concerned about the heightened threat of terrorist attacks. The U.S. Embassy in Sana'a recommends avoiding hotels during this period. The U.S. Embassy in Sana'a encourages all U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to maintain their security awareness."