U.S. DEPARTMENT
OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
April 29, 2004
This Public
Announcement is being updated to remind U.S. citizens of the continuing threat of
terrorist actions and anti-American violence against U.S. citizens and interests overseas.
This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated March 23, 2004 and expires on October 23,
2004.
The Department
of State is deeply concerned about the heightened threat of terrorist attacks against U.S.
citizens and interests abroad. The Department is also concerned about the potential for
demonstrations and violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. U.S.
citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps
to increase their security awareness.
The Department
of State remains concerned by indications that al-Qaida continues to prepare to strike
U.S. interests abroad. Al-Qaida and its associated organizations have most recently struck
in the Middle East and in Europe but other geographic locations could also be venues for
attacks. Future al-Qaida attacks could possibly involve non-conventional weapons such as
chemical or biological agents as well as conventional weapons of terror. We also cannot
rule out that al-Qaida will attempt a catastrophic attack within the U.S.
Terrorist
actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, hijackings, bombings or
kidnappings. These may involve aviation and other transportation and maritime interests,
and may also include conventional weapons, such as explosive devices. Terrorists do not
distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may include facilities where U.S.
citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, clubs,
restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public areas. U.S. citizens are
encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase
their security awareness.
U.S. Government
facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may
temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time to assess their security
posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to
provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the
local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
As the
Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S.
citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information
program documents, available on the Internet at <http://travel.state.gov>. 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 U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada
on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2 328.