American Citizen Services issues travel warning: Al'Quaeda

[theajarn]

Just got this in the mail this morning:

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the continued potential for terrorist attacks, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, and possibly occurring in or emanating from the Arabian Peninsula. Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August. This Travel Alert expires on August 31, 2013.

Terrorists may elect to use a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests. U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. Terrorists have targeted and attacked subway and rail systems, as well as aviation and maritime services. U.S. citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling.

We continue to work closely with other nations on the threat from international terrorism, including from al-Qa'ida. Information is routinely shared between the U.S. and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.

We recommend U.S. citizens register their travel plans with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website. We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens Traveling abroad enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don't have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Internet website attravel.state.gov where theWorldwide Caution, Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. Download our free Smart Traveler app, available through iTunes or Google Play, to have travel information at your fingertips.

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).

I'm particularly concerned about the "TARGET both official and PRIVATE INTERESTS" part. Oh, and the "EMANATING FROM ARABIAN PENINSULA" thing... anybody tell Thaksin about this? Oh but of course THAT was just a hoax... or maybe this official email from the STEP is just a hoax as well?

One thing's for sure... Thaksin better stay in the UAE and not come to America!!!

[sustento]

Is there an election due in the US?

[IMA_FARANG]

In my opinion this is little more than the standard "Americans traveling in ...." warning.

After the debacle in Libya a few months ago the State Department is super sensitive about the possibility of any incidents involving U.S. travelers in the Mideast..

To avoid any bad press or criticism later they are issuing a warning now.

Most Americans traveling through that area anyhow on a regular basis for business probably are aware of the possibilities anyhow.

One of the few good effects of 9/11 was the fact that many American travelers lost their illusionary belief that being an American travelling in potentially hostile areas was not dangerous ..... that being an American was somehow a protection.

I'm not saying you shouldn't be cautious, but with this warning the State Department is just "covering their a--", that's all.

Still the warning is useful .... so pay attention if your going to that area.

[AyG]

Just celebrating the end of ramadan in the traditional way as the prophet intended. Nothing new here.

[Jingthing]

No election.

This isn't normal at all.

Closing 21 embassies is pretty much the opposite of normal.

[jellydog]

This type of "warning" also reinforces the justification for the NSA eavesdropping mechanisms. Connection ? Maybe...and maybe not.

[kurtmartens]

The Embassy here in Kabul is closed, as is the Consulate in Herat. Jingthing is correct, its not a normal procedure to close all 21 regional embassies/consulates (some of them being in pretty safe cities such as Dubai and Ab. Dhabi). Hopefully we make it through Sunday without a bang in Kabul.

[worgeordie]

Keep your citizens living in fear and you can do anything !

regards Worgeordie

[Gomyway]

http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-global-war-on-terrorism-americas-wars-in-support-of-al-qaeda/5332513

[craigt3365]

Seems this threat is quite serious. We've got a thread running in the world news forum. Let's close this one and refer to that one:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/657963-possible-terror-threat-closes-us-embassies-on-sunday/

Topic Closed.