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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 STATE 009230 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC
SUBJECT: WORLDWIDE CAUTION 
 
¶1.  This Worldwide Caution updates information on the 
continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence 
against Americans and interests throughout the world. 
In some countries, the worldwide recession has 
contributed to political and economic instability and 
social unrest.  The armed conflict between Israeli 
forces and Hamas in Gaza, which began in December 2008, 
raised tensions and sparked demonstrations throughout 
the world.  U.S. citizens and others were killed in 
recent terrorist attacks in India and Pakistan. 
American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level 
of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase 
their security awareness.  This replaces the Worldwide 
Caution dated July 16, 2008 to provide updated 
information on security threats and terrorist activities 
worldwide. 
 
¶2.  The Department of State remains concerned about the 
continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, 
and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and 
interests overseas.  Americans are reminded that 
demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no 
warning.  Current information suggests that al-Qaida and 
affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist 
attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, 
including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. 
These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics 
including suicide operations, assassinations, 
kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings.  The September 
2006 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Syria and the March 
2006 bombing near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, 
Pakistan illustrate the continuing desire of extremists 
to strike American targets. 
 
¶3.  Extremists may elect to use conventional or non- 
conventional weapons, and target both official and 
private interests.  Examples of such targets include 
high-profile sporting events, residential areas, 
business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of 
worship, schools, public areas, and locales where 
Americans gather in large numbers, including during 
holidays.  Terrorists attacked two hotels, a railway 
station, restaurant, hospital, and other locations in 
Mumbai, India, frequented by Westerners on November 26, 
¶2008.  Over 100 persons are believed to have been 
killed, including six Americans, and hundreds were 
injured.  On September 20, terrorist bombed the 
Islamabad Marriott Hotel killing two U.S. Department of 
Defense employees and one Department of State 
contractor, whose remains are still unaccounted for. 
One private American sustained minor injuries.  A July 
9, 2008, terrorist attack on Turkish police guarding the 
U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, Turkey, killed three 
police officers and wounded other police personnel.  On 
March 15, 2008, a bomb at an Italian restaurant in 
Islamabad, Pakistan, killed two and injured twelve, 
including five Americans.  Also on March 15, two bombs 
exploded at the CS Pattani Hotel in southern Thailand, 
killing two and injuring thirteen. 
 
¶4.  Americans are reminded of the potential for 
terrorists to attack public transportation systems. 
Bombs exploded near city buses in Tripoli, Lebanon, on 
August 13 and September 29, 2008, killing twenty-one 
people.  Other examples include multiple anti-personnel 
mine detonations on passenger buses in June 2008 in Sri 
Lanka,  multiple terrorist attacks on trains in India in 
2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the 
March 2004 train attacks in Madrid.  Extremists also may 
select aviation and maritime services as possible 
targets, such as the August 2006 plot against aircraft 
 
STATE 00009230  002 OF 005 
 
 
in London, or the December 2006 bomb at Madrid's Barajas 
International Airport.  In June 2007, a vehicle was 
driven into the main terminal at Glasgow International 
Airport and burst into flames, but the bomb failed to 
detonate. 
 
-------------------------------- 
The Middle East and North Africa 
-------------------------------- 
 
¶5.  Credible information indicates terrorist groups seek 
to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle 
East and North Africa.  Terrorist actions may include 
bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings, and 
assassinations.  While conventional weapons such as 
explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many 
areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including 
chemical or biological agents, must be considered a 
possible threat.  Terrorists do not distinguish between 
official and civilian targets.  Increased security at 
official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their 
sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public 
transportation, residential areas, and public areas 
where people congregate, including restaurants, hotels, 
clubs, and shopping areas. 
 
¶6.  On September 17, 2008, armed terrorists attacked the 
U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen, killing several Yemeni 
personnel, one embassy security guard, and a few 
individuals waiting to gain entry to the embassy.  On 
March 18, 2008, a mortar attack on the U.S. Embassy in 
Yemen injured several Yemeni citizens in the vicinity. 
On January 15, 2008, a roadside explosion in Beirut, 
Lebanon killed three Lebanese and injured an American 
citizen.  On December 11, 2007, two vehicle-borne 
explosive devices were detonated at the UN headquarters 
in Algiers and the Algerian Constitutional Council. 
Three suicide bomb attacks in July and September of 2007 
in Algeria killed more than 80 people.  In July 2007, 
suspected al-Qaida operatives carried out a vehicle- 
borne explosive device attack on tourists at the Bilquis 
Temple in Yemen, killing eight Spanish tourists and 
their two Yemeni drivers.  There were a series of 
bombings in Morocco in March and April 2007, two of 
which occurred simultaneously outside the U.S. Consulate 
General and the private American Language Center in 
Casablanca.  Additionally, an attack took place on the 
American International School in Gaza in April 2007. 
These events underscore the intent of terrorist entities 
to target facilities perceived to cater to Westerners. 
 
¶7.  Potential targets are not limited to those companies 
or establishments with overt U.S. ties.  For instance, 
terrorists may target movie theaters, liquor stores, 
bars, casinos, or any similar type of establishment, 
regardless of whether they are owned and operated by 
host country nationals.  Due to varying degrees of 
security at all such locations, Americans should be 
particularly vigilant when visiting these 
establishments. 
 
¶8.  The violence in Iraq and conflict between 
Palestinians and Israelis have the potential to produce 
demonstrations and unrest throughout the region.  The 
armed conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza, 
which began in December 2008, raised tensions and 
sparked demonstrations throughout the world.  The 
Department of State continues to warn of the possibility 
for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests 
in the region.  Anti-American violence could include 
possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground 
transportation, and maritime interests, specifically in 
the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, 
the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa. 
 
 
STATE 00009230  003 OF 005 
 
 
¶9.  The Department is concerned that extremists may be 
planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil 
workers on the Arabian Peninsula.  Armed attacks 
targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that 
resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. 
citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive 
surveillance.  Tourist destinations in Egypt frequented 
by Westerners were attacked in April 2006 resulting in 
many deaths and injuries, including Americans. 
Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly 
at hotels, housing areas, and rental car facilities. 
Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, 
particularly those related to military interests. 
Financial or economic venues of value also could be 
considered as possible targets; the failed attack on the 
Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late 
February 2006 and the September 2006 attack on oil 
facilities in Yemen are examples. 
 
----------- 
East Africa 
----------- 
 
¶10.  A number of al-Qaida operatives and other 
extremists are believed to be operating in and around 
East Africa.  As a result of the conflict in Somalia, 
some of these individuals may seek to relocate elsewhere 
in the region.  Americans considering travel to the 
region and those already there should review their plans 
carefully, remain vigilant with regard to their personal 
security, and exercise caution.  Terrorist actions may 
include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, or 
targeting maritime vessels.  Terrorists do not 
distinguish between official and civilian targets. 
Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led 
terrorists to seek softer targets such as hotels, beach 
resorts, prominent public places, and landmarks.  In 
particular, terrorists and likeminded extremists may 
target international aid workers, civil aviation, and 
seaports in various locations throughout East Africa, 
including Somalia.  Americans in remote areas or border 
regions where military or police authority is limited or 
non-existent could also become targets. 
 
¶11.  Americans considering travel by sea near the Horn 
of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise 
extreme caution, as there has been a notable increase 
in armed attacks, robberies, and kidnappings for 
ransom at sea by pirates in recent months.  Merchant 
vessels continue to be hijacked in Somali territorial 
waters, while others have been hijacked as far as 300 
nautical miles off the coast of Somalia, Yemen, and 
Kenya in international waters. 
¶12.  The U.S. Government maritime authorities advise 
mariners to avoid the port of Mogadishu, and to 
remain at least 200 nautical miles off the coast of 
Somalia.  In addition, when transiting around the 
Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea, it is strongly 
recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and 
maintain good communications contact at all times. 
 Americans traveling on commercial passenger vessels 
should consult with the shipping or cruise ship 
company regarding precautions that will be taken to 
avoid hijacking incidents.  Commercial vessels should 
review the Department of Transportation Maritime 
Administration's suggested piracy countermeasures for 
vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden. 
 
---------------------- 
South and Central Asia 
---------------------- 
 
¶13.  The U.S. Government continues to receive 
information that terrorist groups in South and Central 
Asia may be planning attacks in the region, possibly 
 
STATE 00009230  004 OF 005 
 
 
against U.S. Government facilities, American citizens, 
or American interests.  The presence of al-Qaida, 
Taliban elements, indigenous sectarian groups, and other 
terror organizations, many of which are on the U.S. 
Government's list of foreign terror organizations, poses 
a potential danger to American citizens in the region. 
Continuing tensions in the Middle East may also increase 
the threat of anti-Western or anti-American violence in 
the region. 
¶14.  Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated 
their willingness and capability to attack targets where 
Americans or Westerners are known to congregate or 
visit.  Their actions may include, but are not limited 
to, vehicle-born explosives, improvised explosive 
devices, assassinations, carjackings, rocket attacks, 
assaults or kidnappings.  In November 2008, coordinated 
terrorist attacks on luxury hotels, a Jewish community 
center, a restaurant, train station, hospital, and other 
facilities frequented by foreigners in Mumbai, India 
killed more than 170, including six Americans.  On 
November 12, 2008, an American government contractor and 
his driver in Peshawar, Pakistan were shot and killed in 
their car.  In September 2008, more than fifty people, 
including three Americans, were killed and hundreds were 
injured when a suicide bomber set off a truck filled 
with explosives outside a major international hotel in 
Islamabad, Pakistan.  In August 2008, gunmen stopped and 
shot at the vehicle of an American diplomat in Peshawar. 
In August, three female western non-governmental 
organization (NGO) employees, along with their male 
Afghan driver, were gunned down as they traveled south 
of Kabul, Afghanistan.  On June 2, 2008, a large bomb 
exploded in front of the Danish Embassy in Islamabad 
killing at least six people and wounding nearly 20.  In 
May 2008, a series of coordinated bombings occurred in 
market and temple areas of the tourist city of Jaipur in 
Rajasthan, India.  In Afghanistan, kidnappings and 
terrorist attacks on international organizations, 
international aid workers, and foreign interests 
continue.  In Sri Lanka, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil 
Eelam and other groups have conducted suicide bombings 
at political rallies, government buildings, and major 
economic targets, and in recent months have increasingly 
targeted public transportation.  Although there is no 
indication that American citizens were targeted in these 
attacks, and none were injured, there is a heightened 
risk of American citizens being victims of violence by 
being in the wrong place at the wrong time. 
 
¶15.  Previous terrorist attacks conducted in Central 
Asia have involved improvised explosive devices and 
suicide bombers and have targeted public areas, such as 
markets, local government facilities, and, in 2004, the 
U.S. and Israeli Embassies in Uzbekistan.  In addition, 
hostage-takings and skirmishes have occurred near the 
Uzbek-Tajik-Kyrgyz border areas. 
 
------------- 
Before You Go 
------------- 
 
¶16.  U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are 
encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or 
Consulate through the State Department's travel 
registration web site at 
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that 
they can obtain updated information on travel and 
security.  Americans without Internet access may 
register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or 
Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it 
easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in 
case of emergency. 
U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high 
level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take 
the appropriate steps to bolster their personal 
 
STATE 00009230  005 OF 005 
 
 
security.  For additional information, please refer to 
"A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov. 
 
¶17.  U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a 
heightened state of alert.  These facilities may 
temporarily close or periodically suspend public 
services 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. 
 
¶18.  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 United States and Canada 
or, outside the United States and Canada on a regular 
toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are 
available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, 
Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays.) 
 
¶19.  Minimize considered. 
CLINTON