Public
Announcement – Worldwide Caution
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
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 1-317-472-2 328.
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