Worldwide Caution - Public Announcement

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

WORLDWIDE CAUTION
August 16, 1998
In light of the recent bombings in East Africa and subsequent threats to American interests overseas, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad to exercise much greater than usual caution and review security practices. Because of the possibility that U.S. embassy facilities in a number of locations could be targeted, visitors should remain alert to the changing situation and exercise extreme caution.
U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide are taking appropriate security precautions. U.S. embassy operations are suspended in Somalia, Sudan, Republic of Congo-Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea-Bissau. No United States consular services are available in these countries.
The United States does not maintain diplomatic or consular posts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Libya and North Korea and, therefore, no support services are available to Americans in these countries. In light of the above, Americans need to take additional and enhanced precautions with regard to these areas.
Family members and non-emergency personnel in Kenya and Tanzania have been authorized to depart. In Albania, Eritrea and Pakistan, non-emergency personnel and family members have been ordered to depart. Consular services at the above posts have been reduced to minimal levels and in most cases to emergency citizens services only. American citizens traveling 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/.

Department of State travel information and publications are available at Internet address: http://travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touchtone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.