U.S. Consulate General Press Releases (1998)

Worldwide Caution Issued by State Department (12/24/1998)

News Release
December 29, 1998
Tuesday

The United States Department of State issued on December 24, 1998, a worldwide caution to remind American citizens of the need to remain vigilant. Following is the State Department text:

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The Department of State continues to remind American citizens of the need to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security practices during and after the holiday season and beyond. In light of the military operations against Iraq, the August 7 bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the August 20 U.S. air strikes in Afghanistan and Sudan, and the apprehension of persons believed to have been involved in the U.S. Embassy bombings, the potential for retaliatory acts against Americans and American interests overseas continues to exist. In addition, terrorists, including Usama bin Ladin (who has been indicted for the Embassy bombings and for threatening to kill American nationals outside the United States), continue their threats against the United States and have not distinguished between military and civilian targets.

The Department of State continues to receive reports that make us concerned about the safety and security of both official U.S. Government and civilian targets. We take these threats seriously and the U.S. has increased security at United States Government facilities worldwide. A number of our posts have temporarily suspended or limited services to the public, and may have to do so in the future.

The Department of State reminds Americans to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness to lessen their vulnerability. Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required travel, and treat mail from unfamiliar sources with suspicion.

American citizens traveling or residing abroad should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate by telephone or fax for up-to-date information on security conditions. Current information on post operations is also available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.

In addition, U.S. citizens planning to travel abroad should consult the Department of State's Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, and regional travel brochures.

(This replaces the November 12 "Worldwide Caution" Public Announcement to highlight the Department's caution to Americans traveling during the holiday season and to reiterate the Department of State's concern for the safety and security of U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad, and expires on March 18,1999.)

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