PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman SOUTH EAST ASIA November 2, 2002 This Public Announcement is being issued to remind Americans of the potential for terrorist actions against U.S. citizens abroad, specifically in the Southeast Asia region. This Public Announcement expires on May 1, 2003. In the aftermath of the terrorist bombings in Bali, Indonesia, the possibility exists that similar attacks may occur in other Southeast Asian nations. The Department is concerned that individuals and groups may be planning terrorist actions against United States citizens and interests, as well as sites frequented by Westerners. Extremist groups present in Southeast Asia have transnational capabilities to carry out attacks against locations where Westerners congregate. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorist groups and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, outdoor recreation events, hotels, resorts and beaches. On October 23, the United States Government designated the Jemaah Islamiya (JI) organization a Foreign Terrorist Organization. JI is an extremist group with cells operating throughout Southeast Asia. JI members recently arrested in the region have revealed links with al-Qaeda, other regional terrorist groups, and previous terrorist attacks in the region. The Department of State reminds Americans to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution and refers American citizens to the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement. U.S. citizens currently in or planning to travel in Southeast Asia should consult the Department of State's Public Announcements, Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets for Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, all of which are available at the Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens overseas may contact the American Citizen Services unit of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate by telephone or fax for up-to- date information on security conditions. Department of State travel information and publications are available at Internet address: http://travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touchtone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine. ============================================ PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman Middle East and North Africa Update November 4, 2002 This Public Announcement is being updated to remind Americans of the potential for further terrorist actions against U.S. citizens abroad, specifically in the Middle East, including the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa. This supersedes the Public Announcement of May 21, 2002, and expires on May 30, 2003. The Department of State reminds Americans to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution. U.S. citizens and interests abroad remain at risk of terrorist attacks by groups including, but not limited to, those with links to Usama Bin Ladin's Al-Qaida organizations. 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 residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, hotels, schools, outdoor recreation events, resorts and beaches. Recent terrorist attacks have included the attacks on U.S. forces in Kuwait that killed one Marine, an attack against a French oil tanker off the coast of Yemen, and the murder of a U.S. diplomat in Jordan. Private American citizens may also be targeted for other terrorist actions, including kidnapping. U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. Facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services to review their security posture and ensure its adequacy. On occasion, the travel of official personnel at embassies and consulates around the world is restricted and these posts may recommend that private American citizens avoid the same areas if at all possible. Services to American citizens could be restricted if employees' movements are restricted. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens. American citizens in need of emergency assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before visiting there. In addition, U.S. citizens planning to travel to the Middle East or North Africa should consult the Department of State's Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, Fact Sheets, and regional travel brochures, all of which are available at the Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens overseas may contact the American Citizen Services unit of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate by telephone or fax for up-to-date information on security conditions. Department of State travel information and publications are available at Internet address: http://travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202- 647-5225 from their touchtone telephone, or receive information by automated fax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.