Worldwide Caution PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Worldwide Caution
November 20, 2002
travel.state.gov
Office of the Spokesman
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This Worldwide Caution supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated November 6. It is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to the need to remain vigilant and to remind them of the continuing threat of terrorist actions that may target civilians. This Worldwide Caution expires on May 20, 2003.
In light of the statement released by Usama Bin Ladin on November 12, 2002, the Department of State reminds Americans that U.S. citizens and interests remain at increased risk of terrorist attacks, including by groups with links to Usama Bin Ladin’s Al-Qaida organization. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations or kidnappings. These individuals have proved that they do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Because security and security awareness have been elevated within the United States, the terrorist may target U.S. interests overseas. Recent events include the terrorist attacks in Kuwait and Bali. We remind American citizens to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution.
On November 14, 2002, the State of Virginia executed Mir Ahmad Kasi, a Pakistani national, who was convicted in 1997 of the 1993 murders of two CIA employees. The potential exists for retaliatory acts against U.S. or other foreign interests in response to the execution.
Attacks on places of worship and schools, and the murders of private American citizens and other westerners, demonstrate that as security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers will seek softer targets. These may include facilities where Americans or possibly other foreigners are generally known to congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches. Americans should increase their security awareness when they are at such locations, avoid them, or switch to other locations where Americans in large numbers generally do not congregate. There is a possibility that American citizens may be targeted for kidnapping or assassination.
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 review their security posture and ensure their adequacy. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens. Americans are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest American embassy or consulate.
As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to Americans overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the internet at travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers can hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touch-tone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.
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Department of State travel information and publications are available at Internet address: travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touchtone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.
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