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This Public
Announcement is being issued to remind Americans of the
continuing potential for terrorist actions, including
kidnapping, against U.S. citizens in East Africa. This Public
Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement of January 4,
2003, and expires on July 10, 2003.
On November 28,
2002, a car bomb attack on a hotel near Mombasa, Kenya killed 15
people; an unsuccessful attempt to shoot down an Israeli charter
plane departing Mombasa took place on the same day. The threat
to aircraft by terrorists using shoulder-fired missiles
continues in Kenya, including Nairobi. Ships and seaports may
also be targeted. Other East African countries face similar
threats.
Supporters of Al-Qaeda
and other extremists are still active in East Africa. The
Department of State continues to receive threat information
pertaining to this region and believes it is prudent to alert
American citizens that such information is being received, so
American citizens can make an informed decision whether to
travel to or remain in East Africa.
The Department of
State reminds Americans to remain vigilant with regard to their
personal security and to exercise caution. U.S. citizens and
interests abroad remain at risk of terrorist attacks by groups
including but not limited to those with links to Al-Qaeda .
Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian
targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led
terrorists to seek softer targets such as residential areas,
clubs, restaurants, places of worship, hotels, schools, outdoor
recreation events, resorts, beaches, and planes. Americans in
remote areas or border regions where military or police
authority is limited or non-existent could also be targets of
attacks or kidnappings.
U.S. Government
facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. They
may temporarily close or suspend public services to review
security and ensure its adequacy. On occasion, the travel of
official personnel at embassies and consulates around the world
is restricted, and these posts may recommend that private
American citizens avoid the same areas if at all possible.
Services to American citizens could be affected if employees'
movements are restricted. In those instances, U.S. embassies and
consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services
to American citizens. American citizens in need of emergency
assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate before visiting there. |
