Updated Security Caution
Latest from the US Embassy after the assassination of Saruman
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
WORLDWIDE CAUTION
March 23, 2004
This Worldwide Caution Public Announcement is being updated to
alert U.S. citizens of the heightened threat of terrorist attacks
against U.S. citizens and interests following the killing of Sheikh
Yassin in Gaza . This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated
March 19, 2004, and expires on September 23, 2004.
The Department of State is deeply concerned about the heightened
threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests
abroad in the aftermath of the recent killing of HAMAS leader
Sheikh Ahmed Yassin in Gaza. The Department is also concerned
about the potential for demonstrations and violent actions against
U.S. citizens and interests overseas as a response to the killing.
A HAMAS spokesman has threatened revenge and specifically identified
American interests as targets. U.S. citizens are reminded to
maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps
to increase their security awareness.
The Department of State remains concerned by indications that
al-Qaida continues to prepare to strike U.S. interests abroad.
Al-Qaida and its associated organizations have most recently struck
in the Middle East and in Europe but other geographic locations
could also be venues for attacks. Future al-Qaida attacks could
possibly involve non-conventional weapons such as chemical or
biological agents as well as conventional weapons of terror.
We also cannot rule out that al-Qaida will attempt a catastrophic
attack within the U.S.
Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide
operations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may involve
aviation and other transportation and maritime interests, and may
also include conventional weapons, such as explosive devices.
Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.
These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other
foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, clubs,
restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public areas.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance
and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.
U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state
of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public
services from time to time 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.
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 U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular
toll line at 1-317-472-2328.
The U.S. Embassy in Seoul will continue to keep the U.S. community informed of any changes in the overall security situation. To hear a recording of the most up-to-date security information affecting U.S. citizens in Korea, please call 02-397-4114 and press the following series of numbers: 1, 1, 1, 7. In addition, notices concerning security matters will also be broadcast on AFNK television and radio. The Embassy encourages all U.S. citizens to register their presence in Korea with the American Citizens Services office at the U.S. Embassy or via the Internet at or