US issues global safety caution to citizen July 20, 2012 by Agency Reporter
The United States government has issued its latest version of a worldwide safety caution to her citizens abroad.
Terrorist groups “continue to plan terrorist attacks against US
interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the
Middle East,” a statement by the Department of State’s Bureau of
Consular Affairs said.
Travelers should be cautious when using public transportation
systems, including maritime services like ferries, the statement said.
The Middle East and Africa are the most unpredictable areas, with
terrorist groups and pirates attacking recently in Yemen, Algeria, Kenya
and Somalia, the statement said.
It listed a number of places that might be targeted, including
“high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices,
hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas,
and other tourist destinations.”
Maritime authorities recommend Western seafarers stay at least 200
nautical miles off Somalia and avoid the port of Mogadishu, the
statement said.
The Department of State “encourages US citizens living overseas or
planning to travel abroad to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment
Programme,” the statement said. Officials use the programme to contact
enrollees in the event of an emergency. Thursday’s announcement replaces
one issued in January.
Meanwhile, A US military helicopter with five people aboard crashed
on Thursday in Oman, on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula,
the US military said.
The status of the crew members was not immediately clear.
The MH-53E Sea Dragon crashed about 15 miles southwest of Muscat, Oman, a military statement said.
Investigators have ruled out hostile action but have not determined what caused the crash, it said.
