22 August 1998

TEXT: STATE DEPARTMENT ISSUES WORLDWIDE CAUTION TO US CITIZENS

(Urging them to exercise much greater caution than usual) (380)



Washington -- The State Department issued the following worldwide
caution on August 20 urging US citizens traveling or residing abroad
to review their security practices, to remain alert to the changing
situation, and to exercise much greater caution than usual.


The warning was issued in the wake of US military strikes against
terrorist-related facilities in Afghanistan and Sudan.


Following is the State Department text:



(begin text)



PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesman



WORLDWIDE CAUTION

August 20, 1998



In light of the recent U.S. military strikes against terrorist targets
in Afghanistan and Sudan, and possible threats to Americans and
American interests overseas, the Department of State urges U.S.
citizens traveling or residing abroad to review their security
practices, to remain alert to the changing situation, and to exercise
much greater caution than usual.


Large crowds and other situations in which anti-American sentiments
may be expressed should be avoided. U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide
are taking appropriate security precautions.


Americans should be aware that Embassy operations are currently
suspended in Somalia, Sudan, Republic of Congo-Brazzaville, Democratic
Republic of Congo and Guinea-Bissau. No U.S. consular services are
currently 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 of the U.S. embassies 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 in these countries 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.


This Worldwide Caution supercedes the Worldwide Cautions issued on
August 7 and August 16.


(end text)

---