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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 STATE 012997 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC
SUBJECT: WORLDWIDE CAUTION 
 
STATE 00012997  001.2 OF 005 
 
 
¶1.  The Department of State has issued this Worldwide 
Caution to update information on the continuing threat 
of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens 
and interests throughout the world.  U.S. 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 29, 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 following 
incidents illustrate the continuing desire of extremists 
to strike American targets and perceived interests:  On 
January 25, terrorists exploded a bomb outside three 
major hotels favored by Western journalists in the 
center of Baghdad, killing at least 37 and wounding more 
than 100; on October 5, 2009, five people were killed 
and about 10 were injured, including one U.S. citizen, 
by a bombing near the offices of the United Nations 
World Food Program in Islamabad, Pakistan; on August 15, 
2009, a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive 
device detonated near the International Security 
Assistance Force (ISAF) Headquarters, not far from the 
U.S. Embassy in Kabul, killing at least seven people and 
injuring nearly 90 more. 
 
¶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.  On January 1, 2010, a suicide bomber attacked 
spectators at a volleyball game in the North-West 
Frontier Province of Pakistan.  The attack killed at 
least 95 people.  On December 28, 2009, a suicide bomber 
attacked a Shiite religious procession in Karachi, 
killing at least 22 people and injuring more than 60. 
On October 28, 2009, a UN guest house in Kabul was 
attacked, killing five UN workers, including one 
American.  On the same day, two rockets struck the 
foreigner-frequented Serena Hotel and the President 
Palace, also in central Kabul city. 
 
¶4.  Americans are reminded of the potential for 
terrorists to attack public transportation systems.  On 
December 25, 2009, a Nigerian national attempted to 
detonate a bomb on board a U.S. airliner landing in 
Detroit; Yemen-based al-Qa'ida affiliates claimed 
responsibility for the incident. Police officers 
arrested a man with explosives at the New Delhi Railway 
station in New Delhi, India on August 25, 2009; and 
suspected Maoist rebels detonated several explosives at 
the railway station in Orissa, India on the same day. 
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 
 
STATE 00012997  002.2 OF 005 
 
 
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 
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.  Countries in the region continue to experience 
varying levels of violence.  On December 8, 2009, Iraqi 
government buildings in Baghdad were targeted by car 
bombs.  On October 25, 2009, two massive car bombs 
exploded outside Iraqi government buildings in a heavily 
secured area of Baghdad, killing more than 150 people 
and injuring 500 more; prior to that, on August 19, a 
series of car bombs and mortar attacks occurred in 
Baghdad, killing at least 77 people and injuring nearly 
¶500.  On August 28, 2009, al-Qaida operatives were 
involved in a suicide bombing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 
that injured the Saudi Assistant Minister of Security. 
These events underscore the intent of terrorist entities 
to continue to target a variety of facilities in the 
region, including those belonging to local governments 
and/or where Westerners may be present. 
 
¶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 
 
STATE 00012997  003.2 OF 005 
 
 
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 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.  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, 
especially in Somalia.  On December 3, 2009, a suicide 
bomber killed 22 civilians, including three Somalia 
Transitional Federal Government ministers, during a 
graduation ceremony for a local university.  On 
September 17, 2009, terrorists launched coordinated 
suicide-bomb attacks against an African Union 
peacekeeping base, involving two car bombs against local 
and international targets.  On July 17, 2009, 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 1,000 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 
 
STATE 00012997  004.2 OF 005 
 
 
review the Department of Transportation Maritime 
Administration's suggested piracy countermeasures for 
vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden. 
----------- 
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 
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.  On November 14, 2009, 
heavily armed individuals attempted to kidnap U.S. 
Embassy employees in Niger.  On August 8, 2009, a 
suicide bombing near the French Embassy in Mauritania 
injured two French national guards and one Mauritanian 
citizen. On June 23, 2009, gunmen murdered an American 
citizen in Nouakchott. 
 
¶14.  AQIM has declared its intention to attack Western 
interests and targets.  AQIM is known to operate 
particularly in the northern region of Mali, within 
Mauritania, and along the border shared 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 
without an official escort.  U.S. government personnel 
are required to obtain advance written approval to 
travel to these areas. 
 
---------------------- 
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.  Since October 2009, terrorists have executed 
coordinated attacks with multiple operatives using 
portable weaponry such as guns, grenades, RPGs and 
suicide vests or car bombs in Pakistan.  U.S. citizens 
have been victims in such attacks.  The October 2009 
attack on the UN World Food Program in Islamabad injured 
one U.S. citizen. 
 
¶17.  On October 15, 2009, a series of attacks occurred 
throughout Pakistan.  Teams of gunmen simultaneously 
attacked three law enforcement facilities in Lahore, and 
another bomb exploded outside a residential building 
used by government employees in Peshawar.  These attacks 
killed at least 26 people and injured another 35.  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 
 
STATE 00012997  005.2 OF 005 
 
 
2009, Taliban insurgents conducted a coordinated 
terrorist attack on three government buildings in Kabul, 
Afghanistan, which resulted in the death of at least 26 
and the wounding of 80 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.  In Afghanistan, kidnappings and terrorist 
attacks on international organizations, international 
aid workers, and foreign interests continue. 
 
¶18.  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 
------------- 
 
¶19.  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 
security.  For additional information, please refer to 
"A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov. 
 
¶20.  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. 
 
¶21.  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.) 
 
¶22.  Minimize considered. 
CLINTON