News

USIS Washington 
File

28 December 1998

TEXT: WORLDWIDE CAUTION ISSUED BY STATE DEPARTMENT

(To remind Americans of need to be vigilant) (570)



Washington -- The Department of State issued a worldwide travel
caution "to remind American citizens of the need to remain vigilant
with regard to their personal security practices during and after the
holiday season and beyond.


In light of the military operations against Iraq, the August 7
bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania, the August 20 U.S. air strikes in Afghanistan and Sudan, and
the apprehension of persons believed to have been involved in the U.S.
Embassy bombings, the potential for retaliatory acts against Americans
and American interests overseas continues to exist."


In addition, the State Dept. said, "terrorists, including Usama bin
Ladin (who has been indicted for the Embassy bombings and for
threatening to kill American nationals outside the United States),
continue their threats against the United States and have not
distinguished between military and civilian targets."


Following is the State Department text:



(begin text)



PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT



U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesman



WORLDWIDE CAUTION



December 24, 1998



The Department of State continues to remind American citizens of the
need to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security
practices during and after the holiday season and beyond. In light of
the military operations against Iraq, the August 7 bombings of the
U.S. Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the
August 20 U.S. air strikes in Afghanistan and Sudan, and the
apprehension of persons believed to have been involved in the U.S.
Embassy bombings, the potential for retaliatory acts against Americans
and American interests overseas continues to exist. In addition,
terrorists, including Usama bin Ladin (who has been indicted for the
Embassy bombings and for threatening to kill American nationals
outside the United States), continue their threats against the United
States and have not distinguished between military and civilian
targets.


The Department of State continues to receive reports that make us
concerned about the safety and security of both official U.S.
Government and civilian targets. We take these threats seriously and
the U.S. has increased security at United States Government facilities
worldwide. A number of our posts have temporarily suspended or limited
services to the public, and may have to do so in the future.


The Department of State reminds Americans to maintain a high level of
vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security
awareness to lessen their vulnerability. Americans should maintain a
low profile, vary routes and times for all required travel, and treat
mail from unfamiliar sources with suspicion.


American citizens traveling or residing abroad should contact the
nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate by telephone or fax for up-to-date
information on security conditions. Current information on post
operations is also available on the Internet at
http://travel.state.gov. In addition, U.S. citizens planning to travel
abroad should consult the Department of State's Public Announcements,
Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, and regional travel
brochures.


(This replaces the November 12 "Worldwide Caution" Public Announcement
to highlight the Department's caution to Americans traveling during
the holiday season and to reiterate the Department of State's concern
for the safety and security of U.S. citizens traveling or residing
abroad, and expires on March 18,1999.)


(end text)