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The
Department of State is updating the Worldwide Caution to provide
information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence
against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Recent
terrorist attacks, whether by those affiliated with terrorist entities,
copycats, or individual perpetrators, serve as a reminder that U.S.
citizens need to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate
steps to increase their security awareness. This replaces the Worldwide
Caution dated October 10, 2014.
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. On September 22, 2014, the United
States and regional partners commenced military action against the
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated terrorist
organization in Syria and Iraq. In response to the airstrikes, ISIL
called on supporters to attack foreigners wherever they are. Authorities
believe there is an increased likelihood of reprisal attacks against
U.S., Western and coalition partner interests throughout the world,
especially in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Kidnappings
and hostage events involving U.S. citizens have become increasingly
prevalent as ISIL, al Qa`ida and its affiliates have increased attempts
to finance their operations through kidnapping for ransom
operations. ISIL, al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and
al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) are particularly effective with
kidnapping for ransom and are using ransom money to fund the range of
their activities. Kidnapping targets are usually Western citizens from
governments or third parties that have established a pattern of paying
ransoms for the release of individuals in custody.
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,
hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas,
shopping malls, and other tourist destinations both in the United States
and abroad where U.S. citizens gather in large numbers, including
during holidays.
U.S.
citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public
transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. Extremists have
targeted and attempted attacks on subway and rail systems, aviation,
and maritime services. In the past, these types of attacks have occurred
in cities such as Moscow, London, Madrid, Glasgow, and New York City.
EUROPE: Current
information suggests that ISIL, al-Qa’ida, its affiliated
organizations, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist
attacks against U.S. and Western interests in Europe. Authorities
believe the likelihood of a terror attack in Europe is increased as
European members of ISIL return from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, there
is a continuing threat in Europe from unaffiliated persons planning
attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an
individual basis. In the past several years, organized extremist
attacks have been planned or carried out in various European countries. European
governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and
some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat
conditions.
MIDDLE EAST and NORTH AFRICA:
Credible information indicates terrorist groups also seek to continue
attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa. The
U.S. government remains highly concerned about possible attacks against
U.S. citizens, facilities, businesses, and perceived U.S. and Western
interests.
No
part of Syria should be considered immune from violence. The security
situation remains dangerous and unpredictable as a civil war between
government and armed anti-government groups continues throughout the
country. There is an increased threat of terrorism from groups such as
ISL, al-Nusrah, as well as other extremists whose tactics include use of
suicide bombers, kindappings, use of small and heavy arms, and
improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Since the start of the uprising
against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime in March 2011, the
United States has received reports of numerous foreigners kidnapped in
Syria, many of whom are still in captivity. The majority of the victims
are journalists and aid workers. U.S. citizens and other Westerners
have been murdered by ISIL in Syria. Violent extremists from various
countries operate in Syria and may be planning attacks against the
United States and other Western targets.
A
number of extremist groups also operate in Lebanon and the potential
for death or injury in Lebanon exists because of periodic terrorist
bombing attacks throughout the country. As a result of spillover
violence from the Syria crisis, Sunni groups are active and Hizballah, a
group designated by the U.S. government as a terrorist organization,
has been present and active for many years.
U.S.
citizens in Iraq remain at high risk for kidnapping and terrorist
violence. Numerous insurgent groups, including ISIL, previously known as
al-Qa’ida in Iraq, remain active and terrorist activity and violence
persist in many areas of the country. ISIL and its allies control Mosul,
Iraq’s second largest city, and have captured significant territory
across central Iraq and continue to engage with Iraqi security forces in
that region.
Al-Qaida
in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West
Africa (MUJAO), and al-Murabitun remain active and operate primarily in
southern Algeria, southwestern Libya and Tunisia in the wake of French
and African intervention in northern Mali. In Algeria, terrorists
sporadically attack Westerners and Algerian government targets,
particularly in the Kabylie region, and near Algeria’s borders with
Libya and Mali. In September, a French tourist was kidnapped and
murdered by an Algerian-based terrorist group. Terrorists have targeted
oil processing plants in Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. In Libya,
various groups have called for attacks against U.S. citizens and U.S.
interests. Terrorist organizations continue to be active in Yemen,
including al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).
AFRICA: Al-Qa’ida
continues to operate primarily in North Africa. Vestiges of extremist
elements, including AQIM, MUJAO, and al-Murabitun continue small scale
operations in northern Mali mostly related to planting land mines on
lines of communication used by UN peacekeeping troops. The major parts
of these groups were forced to move to southern Algeria, southwestern
Libya and Tunisia in the wake of French and African intervention in
northern Mali. Terrorist groups have stepped up their rhetoric calling
for additional attacks or kidnapping attempts on westerners and others,
particularly those linked to support for international military
intervention.
Additionally,
the terrorist group AQIM has declared its intention to attack Western
targets throughout the Sahel (an area that stretches across the African
continent between the Atlantic Ocean and the Red Sea to include Senegal,
Mali, Algeria, Niger, Chad, Sudan, and Eritrea). It has claimed
responsibility for kidnappings, attempted kidnappings, and the murder of
several Westerners throughout the region, including southern Algeria.
Al-Shabaab
assassinations, suicide bombings, hostage taking, and indiscriminate
attacks in civilian-populated areas are frequent in Somalia. Terrorist
operatives and armed groups in Somalia have demonstrated their intent to
attack Somali authorities, the African Union Mission in Somalia, and
non-military targets such as international donor offices and
humanitarian assistance providers. Al-Shabaab
retains its demonstrated capability to carry out attacks in
government-controlled territory in Somalia and in neighboring countries
such as Kenya and Djibouti.
Boko
Haram, an extremist group based in northeast Nigeria, has claimed
responsibility for many attacks, mainly in northern Nigeria. The first
months of 2014 have seen a continued increase in Boko Haram attacks and
clashes with Nigerian government security forces in northern Nigeria.
Boko Haram has also targeted women and children for kidnapping,
reportedly kidnapping women in northern states for marriage as “slave
brides,” and kidnapping more than 200 school girls from a private school
in Borno state. Boko Haram is known to descend on whole towns, robbing
banks and businesses, attacking police and military installations, and
setting fire to private homes. U.S. citizen missionaries in northern
Nigeria have received specific written threats to their safety and
well-being, although none have yet been harmed.
U.S.
citizens considering travel by sea near the Horn of Africa, the Gulf of
Guinea, or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as
there have been armed attacks, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom by
pirates. The threat of hijacking to merchant vessels continues to exist
in Somali territorial waters and as far as 1,000 nautical miles off the
coast of Somalia, Yemen, and Kenya in international waters. There has
also been a recent rise in piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of
Guinea, including hijackings.
U.S.
government maritime authorities advise mariners to avoid the port of
Mogadishu and to remain at least 200 nautical miles off the coast of
Somalia. In addition, when transiting around the Horn of Africa, the
Gulf of Guinea, or in the Red Sea, it is strongly recommended that
vessels travel in convoys and maintain good communications at all times.
U.S. citizens traveling on commercial passenger vessels should consult
with the shipping or cruise ship company regarding precautions that will
be taken to avoid hijacking incidents. Commercial vessels should review
the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration's Horn of Africa Piracy page for information on maritime advisories, self-protection measures, and naval forces in the region.
SOUTH ASIA: The
U.S. government continues to receive information that terrorist groups
in South Asia may also be planning attacks in the region, possibly
against U.S. government facilities, U.S. citizens, or U.S. interests.
The presence of al-Qa’ida, Taliban elements, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba,
indigenous sectarian groups, and other terror organizations, many of
which are on the U.S. government's list of designated Foreign Terrorist
Organizations, poses a potential danger to U.S. citizens in the region.
Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness
and ability to attack locations where U.S. citizens or Westerners are
known to congregate or visit.
The
presence of several foreign and indigenous terrorist groups poses a
danger to U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan. Across the country,
terrorist attacks frequently occur against civilian, government, and
foreign targets. Attacks have included armed assaults on heavily guarded
sites, including Pakistani military installations and airports. The
Government of Pakistan maintains heightened security measures,
particularly in the major cities. Terrorists and criminal groups
regularly resort to kidnapping for ransom.
No
province in Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence and
crime, and the strong possibility exists throughout the country for
hostile acts, either targeted or random, against U.S. and other foreign
nationals at any time. Elements of the former Taliban regime and members
of other terrorist organizations hostile to the Government of the
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and foreign nationals remain active in
every province of the country. Furthermore, travel to all areas of
Afghanistan remains unsafe due to ongoing military combat operations,
landmines, banditry, armed rivalry between political and tribal groups,
and the possibility of insurgent attacks, including attacks using
vehicle-borne or other improvised explosive devices. U.S. citizens are
increasingly targeted for kidnapping. The threat situation in
Afghanistan is still considered critical and is expected to remain so
through the current political and military transition.
India
continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may
affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly. Anti-Western terrorist
groups active in India include Islamist extremist groups such as
Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen,
Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e Tayyiba. Past attacks have targeted
public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury
and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and
restaurants in large urban areas. Attacks have taken place during the
busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places, but could occur
at any time.
CENTRAL ASIA:
Supporters of terrorist groups such as the Islamic Movement of
Uzbekistan, al-Qa’ida, the Islamic Jihad Union, and the Eastern
Turkistan Islamic Movement remain active in Central Asia. These groups
have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and may attempt to target U.S.
government interests.
EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC:
Information from credible sources suggests that there is a continued
risk of armed terrorist and criminal groups operating and planning
attacks against foreigners, including U.S. citizens, in the East Asian
and Pacific region. Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and the Abu Sayyaf Group, have
cells operating throughout Southeast Asia and JI is linked to al-Qaida
and other regional terrorist groups.
There
is a risk of travel to the southern Philippines, specifically related
to kidnapping threats in the Sulu Archipelago and the ongoing threat of
violence on the island of Mindanao, particularly in Central Mindanao.
Over
the past year there have been several kidnappings-for-ransom targeting
foreigners in the Eastern Sabah province of Malaysia and in the southern
Sulu Sea area by terrorist or insurgent groups based in the Sulu
Archipelago of the Philippines. In addition to incursions on the
coastal and island resorts themselves, criminal or terrorist bands may
attempt to intercept boats ferrying tourists in the area.
Indonesian
security forces have disrupted a number of terrorist cells, including
JI, a terrorist organization that carried out several significant
bombings in Jakarta and Bali over the past decade. Although Indonesian
counterterrorism efforts have been successful in preventing terrorists
from conducting large-scale attacks in recent years, extremists in
Indonesia may demonstrate a willingness and ability to carry out
small-scale violent attacks with little or no warning.
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Before You Go
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The
Department of State urges U.S. citizens living overseas or planning to
travel abroad to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
When you enroll in STEP, we can keep you up to date with important
safety and security announcements. Enrolling will also make it easier
for the Embassy to contact you in the event of an emergency. You should
remember to keep all of your information in STEP up to date; it is
particularly important when you enroll or update your information to
include a current phone number and e-mail address.
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. For additional information, please refer to Traveler's Checklist.
U.S.
government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert.
These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public
services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S.
embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency
services to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor
the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate.
As
the Department of State continues to develop information on potential
security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat
information through its Consular Information Program documents,
including Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, Country Specific Information,
and Emergency and Security Messages, all of which are available on the
Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, from other countries, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).
The U.S.
Embassy in San Jose is located at Av. O Calle 120, Rohrmoser. If you
are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number
for the U.S. Embassy is 2510-2000..
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