WORLDWIDE CAUTION FOR U.S. CITIZENS
September 10, 2004
This Public Announcement is being updated to remind U.S.
citizens of the continuing threat of terrorist actions and
anti-American violence against U.S. citizens and interests
overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated
April 29, 2004 and expires on March 10, 2005.
The Department of State is deeply concerned about the
continued threat of terrorist attacks against U.S.
citizens and interests abroad, as well as the potential
for demonstrations and violent actions against U.S.
citizens and interests overseas. U.S. citizens are
reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur at any
time. In reaction to the execution of hostages in Iraq,
there have been demonstrations and associated violence in
the hostages' country of origin. While Americans are
generally not the targets in such incidents, U.S. citizens
could be caught up in the violence. U.S. citizens are
reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take
appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.
The Department of State remains concerned by indications
that al-Qaida and affiliated groups continue to prepare to
strike U.S. interests abroad. Al-Qaida and its associated
organizations have struck in Europe, Asia and the Middle
East. Future al-Qaida attacks could possibly involve non-
conventional weapons such as chemical or biological agents
as well as conventional weapons of terror, to include
explosive devices.
Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to,
suicide operations, assassinations, hijackings, bombings
or kidnappings. These may involve aviation and other
transportation and maritime interests. Terrorists do not
distinguish between official and civilian targets. These
may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other
foreigners congregate or visit, including residential
areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of
worship, schools, hotels and public areas. U.S. citizens
are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and
to take appropriate steps to increase their security
awareness.
U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a
heightened state of alert. These facilities may
temporarily close or suspend public services from time to
time 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.
Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and
maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate.
As the Department continues to develop information on any
potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it
shares credible threat information through its consular
information program documents, available on the Internet
at http://travel.state.gov. 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 U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular
toll line at 1-317-472-2328.
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Travel Advisory