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/

Afghanistan - On March 4 the U.S. Embassy in Kabul issued the following Warden Message: "As of early March 2010, an Afghan insurgent group planned to conduct suicide attacks against an unidentified U.S. affiliate guesthouse in the Shar-e-Naw area of Kabul City, Afghanistan no later than March 6, 2010. The alleged U.S. affiliated guesthouse was located on Haji Yaqub road between a mosque and Shaheed Road circle. The attackers would be armed and planned to use a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. "The Department of State also remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks and other violent actions against the Afghan public, as well as U.S. citizens and interests in Afghanistan. Explosions, shootings, demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. Current intelligence reports suggest that the Taliban, al-Qaida, and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against Afghan and international targets, including U.S. interests. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings."

Chad - On March 10 the U.S. Embassy in N'Djamena issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message updates information sent on March 2, 2010. "Post has received information from various sources indicating that groups hostile to U.S. interests may be operating in Chad with the intent to commit violence. We continue to monitor and evaluate these reports. In response to these threats, the US Embassy has placed restrictions on the movement of its employees. Embassy personnel are currently prohibited from frequenting areas where Westerners are known to congregate and from staying in hotels around N'djamena. The Embassy has also instituted a curfew for all American employees. "We remind U.S. citizens in Chad to follow good security practices and remain aware of their security environment. Personal security awareness, along with good security practices, are the first line of defense against becoming a victim. The Embassy will advise private Americans when the security restrictions on official personnel are changed. "Remember, if you believe you are being followed, immediately drive to a safe location. Do not drive to your residence. Also, be sure to tell your family or a friend of your travel plans, even if just going to a few places in town."

Colombia - On March 5 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning for Colombia: "The Department of State warns American citizens of the dangers of travel to Colombia. While security in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years, violence by narco-terrorist groups continues to affect some rural areas as well as large cities. The potential for violence by terrorists and other criminal elements exists in all parts of the country. This updates and replaces the Travel Warning for Colombia issued November 10, 2009 to update information on recent security incidents and criminal activity.

"In recent months there has been a marked increase in violent crime in Colombia. Murder rates have risen significantly in some major cities, particularly Medellin and Cali. Kidnapping remains a serious threat. American citizens have been the victim of violent crime, including kidnapping and murder. Firearms are prevalent in Colombia and altercations can often turn violent. Small towns and rural areas of Colombia can still be extremely dangerous due to the presence of narco-terrorists. Common crime also remains a significant problem in many urban and rural areas. For additional details about the general criminal threat, please see the Department of State's Country Specific Information for Colombia.

"The incidence of kidnapping in Colombia has diminished significantly from its peak at the beginning of this decade. Nevertheless, terrorist groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the National Liberation Army (ELN), and other criminal organizations continue to kidnap and hold civilians for ransom or as political bargaining chips. No one is immune from kidnapping on the basis of occupation, nationality, or other factors. Kidnapping in rural areas is of particular concern. On July 2, 2008, the Government of Colombia rescued 15 hostages, including three Americans, who had been held for more than five years. Although the U.S. government places the highest priority on the safe recovery of kidnapped Americans, it is U.S. policy not to make concessions to or strike deals with kidnappers. Consequently, the U.S. government's ability to assist kidnapping victims is limited.

"U.S. government officials and their families in Colombia are permitted to travel to major cities in the country, but normally only by air. They may not use inter- or intra-city bus transportation, or travel by road outside urban areas at night. All Americans in Colombia are urged to follow these precautions."

Turkey - On March 5 the U.S. Embassy in Ankara released the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is being sent to alert U.S. citizens in Turkey about evolving political events that may have an impact on them. "On March 4, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives voted to request a vote by the full House on House Resolution 252, a non-binding resolution connected with Armenia and the events of 1915. Given the sensitivity in Turkey of the issues dealt with in the resolution, there is the possibility of demonstrations and/or other manifestations in protest of this vote.

"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, and to avoid areas of demonstrations if possible. Particular caution should be exercised in places known to be frequented by Americans."

Togo - On March 8 the U.S. Embassy in Lome issued the following Warden Message: "Political demonstrations are scheduled to begin Tuesday, March 9, at 7 a.m. in the vicinity of the following Lomé neighborhoods: Bé, Boulevard Circulaire to the Fontaine Jeunesse, Freau Jardin (Semana Santos Square), and Palais du Congres. There have been, and will continue to be, periodic political demonstrations in reaction to the presidential election results announced on Saturday, March 6.

"Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Togo from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times."