The following is an uncorrected transcript of a travel advisory issued by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, part of the US State Department. This advisory was issued along with an upgrade of the Homeland Security Office's terror alert level (see Homeland Security Advisory System) from yellow to orange. This upgrade was made prior to the one year anniversary of the September 11th WTC attacks on the US, and indicates a high risk of terror attacks.
Worldwide Caution
September 9, 2002
This Worldwide Caution supersedes the previous Worldwide Caution, due to expire on October 1, 2002, to alert Americans to the need to remain especially vigilant during the period around the anniversary of the attacks of September 11. There is a continuing threat of terrorist actions, which may target civilians and include suicide operations. This Worldwide Caution expires on October 31, 2002.
The U.S. Government has continued to receive credible indications that extremist groups and individuals are planning additional terrorist actions against U.S. interests. Such actions may be imminent and include suicide operations. 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. Attacks on places of worship and schools, and the murder of American citizens demonstrate 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 or assassination.
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 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.
As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to Americans 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, 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 telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.
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