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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 STATE 079299 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC
SUBJECT: WORLDWIDE CAUTION 
 
¶1.  The Department of State has issued this Worldwide 
Caution to update information on the continuing threat 
of terrorist actions and violence against American 
citizens and interests throughout the world.  In some 
countries, the worldwide recession has contributed to 
political and economic instability and social unrest. 
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 February 2, 2009 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 July 17 
bombing of the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels in 
Jakarta, Indonesia, where at least nine people were 
killed and six Americans were among the 50 or more 
injured; the February 2009 kidnapping of an American 
UNHCR official in Pakistan; the kidnapping of four 
European tourists in January on the Mali-Niger border; 
the kidnapping of two Canadian diplomats in Niger in 
December 2008; and the kidnapping of NGO workers along 
the Kenya-Somali border in July 2009 all illustrate the 
continuing desire of extremists to strike Western 
targets and perceived interests. 
 
¶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 
frequented by Westerners in Mumbai, India, on November 
26, 2008.  Over 170 persons are believed to have been 
killed, including six Americans, and hundreds were 
injured.  On September 20, 2008, terrorists bombed the 
Islamabad Marriott Hotel killing two U.S. Department of 
Defense employees and one Department of State 
contractor.  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.  The March 15, 2008, bombing of an 
Italian restaurant in Islamabad, Pakistan, injured 
several Americans. 
 
¶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 incidents 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 
in London, or the December 2006 bomb at Madrid's Barajas 
 
STATE 00079299  002 OF 005 
 
 
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.  In January 2009, unidentified gunmen opened fire 
outside the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen.  No injuries 
were reported.  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 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.  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 has the potential to produce 
demonstrations and unrest throughout the region.  The 
armed conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza 
in December 2008 and January 2009 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. 
 
¶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.  On February 22, 2009, there was a bomb 
 
STATE 00079299  003 OF 005 
 
 
attack targeting a popular tourist destination in Cairo, 
Egypt's Old City.  Tourist destinations in Egypt 
frequented by Westerners were also 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 like-minded extremists may 
target international aid workers, civil aviation, and 
seaports in various locations throughout East Africa, 
including Somalia. On July 17, three NGO workers were 
kidnapped by unidentified gunmen from their base in 
Mandera, Kenya, located on the border with 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 at 
http://marad.dot.gov/news_room_landing_page/m aritime_ 
advisories/advisory/advisory_summary.htm 
 
----------- 
West Africa 
----------- 
 
¶13.  The terrorist group, Al Qaeda in the Islamic 
Maghreb (AQIM), has become increasingly active in the 
West African countries of Mali, Mauritania, and Niger, 
as well as in parts of North Africa.  AQIM uses regions 
of these countries as safe havens and platforms from 
 
STATE 00079299  004 OF 005 
 
 
which to conduct operations.  Formerly known as GSPC 
(Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat), AQIM has been 
designated a terrorist organization by both the United 
States and the European Union. 
 
¶14.  AQIM has declared its intention to attack Western 
interests and targets.  AQIM is known to operate in the 
northern region of Mali, the southeastern region of 
Mauritania, and along the border between Niger and Mali. 
In addition to being a threat to Westerners, AQIM 
contributes to civil unrest and banditry, which 
reinforce longstanding security concerns in West Africa. 
U.S. citizens are urged to avoid travel to these areas. 
U.S. government personnel are required to obtain advance 
written approval to travel to these areas.  For 
additional information about travel in this region, 
please consult the Country Specific Information (CSI) 
for Mauritania, Mali, and Niger. 
 
---------------------- 
South and Central Asia 
---------------------- 
 
¶15.  The U.S. Government continues to receive 
information that terrorist groups in South and Central 
Asia may be planning attacks in the region, possibly 
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. 
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, carjacking, rocket attacks, 
assaults or kidnappings. 
 
¶16.  In June 2009, gunmen stormed the Pearl Continental 
Hotel in Peshawar, Pakistan, and detonated a bomb that 
resulted in several deaths and scores of injuries.  In 
February 2009, Taliban insurgents conducted a 
coordinated terrorist attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, 
which resulted in the death of at least 26 and the 
wounding of 50 individuals.  Between October 2008 and 
June 2009, several American citizens were kidnapped in 
Afghanistan and Pakistan.  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.  Also in August, three 
western non-governmental organization (NGO) employees, 
along with their 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. 
 
¶17.  Previous terrorist attacks conducted in Central 
Asia have involved improvised explosive devices and 
 
STATE 00079299  005 OF 005 
 
 
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 
------------- 
 
¶18.  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/ to 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 
security.  For additional information, please refer to 
"A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov. 
 
¶19.  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. 
 
¶20.  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.) 
 
¶21.  Minimize considered. 
CLINTON