PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman 

Worldwide Caution March 17, 2002

The U.S. Government continues to receive credible reports that 
extremist individuals are planning additional terrorist actions against 
U.S. interests.  Such actions may be imminent and include suicide 
operations.  We have no further information on specific targets, timing 
or method of attack. We remind American citizens to remain vigilant 
with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution. 

Terrorist groups do not distinguish between official and civilian 
targets.  The March 17 attack on worshippers at the Protestant 
International Church in Islamabad underlines the growing possibility 
that as security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists 
and their sympathizers will seek softer targets.  These may include 
facilities where Americans are generally known to congregate or visit, 
such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools or outdoor 
recreation events.  Americans should increase their security awareness 
when they are at such locations, avoid them, or switch to other 
locations where Americans in large numbers generally do not congregate. 
American citizens may be targeted for kidnapping. In late January 2002, 
an American journalist was kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of 
alert.  These facilities may on occasion temporarily close or suspend 
public services to review their security posture and ensure its 
adequacy. In those instances, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will make 
every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens. 
Americans are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with 
the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. 

The Department will continue to develop information about potential 
threats to Americans overseas and to share with them credible threat 
information through its Consular Information Program documents. These 
documents are available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In 
addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers may hear 
recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, 
D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touch-tone telephone, or receive 
information by automated FAX by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax 
machine.

This Public Announcement - Worldwide Caution supersedes the previous 
Worldwide Caution of February 1, 2002 to note the imminent threat of 
terrorist actions which may target civilians and include suicide 
operations.

This Public Announcement - Worldwide Caution expires on August 17, 
2002.