Released: 19 Aug 1999
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) -- The State Department wants people, especially those living overseas, to remain vigilant against terrorism.
Although not a response to any one particular threat or event, the department sent out a worldwide warning recently to emphasize its ongoing concern for the security of Americans overseas.
"In addition to our overall concern, there is always the possibility that terrorists may take actions against Americans or American interests on or around significant dates," said the statement titled "Worldwide Caution."
One significant date is Aug. 20, which marks the one-year anniversary of U.S. strikes against terrorist targets in Afghanistan and Sudan.
According to the release, the Department of State continues to receive reports that prompt concern about the safety and security of both official U.S. government employees and American citizens.
As a result, security has been increased at U.S. government facilities worldwide.
The statement urges U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad to review their security practices, to remain alert to changing situations, and to exercise caution.
In addition, the statement warns that terrorists -- including Usama bin Ladin, who has been indicted for the 1998 bombings in Africa and for threatening to kill American citizens outside the United States -- continue their threats against the United States and do not distinguish between military and civilian targets.
The overall risk to people living in the Spangdahlem and Bitburg community remains low, according to Special Agent Valerie Mackin of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 518 here.
However, people at other bases in Europe should check with their local AFOSI offices for information about the threat level in their area, she said.
Mackin suggests people should always be cautious and keep a look out for anything out of the ordinary.
"If you're out eating in a restaurant and someone approaches you and begins to ask intense questions about you, the base, the number of people, the number of aircraft, etc., this would be considered suspicious," she said.
Mackin also offers one other suggestion: "Don't use the same route to work every day, and even if it's 2 to 5 minutes, you should vary the time you travel each day." (Courtesy of USAFE News Service)
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