Because we’re registered with the embassy here, we received this little transmission in the inbox this morning. Thanks for the new flash, guys. It is interesting that this is the first message we’ve received from the embassy, despite the bombings here and in London. It kind of makes me wish we got one of these warnings every day, because then I’d know there was nothing to worry about.
I kid.
PS: For any concerned parents that might be reading this, the message below is essentially an update of the travel warnings that are in permanent residence on the State Department website.
Subject: US Embassy BEIRUT Warden Message – August 3, 2005
From: “Beirut, ACS” <beirutacs @state.gov>
Date: Wed, August 3, 2005 5:11 am
To: “Beirut, ACS” <beirutacs @state.gov>
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT – WORLDWIDE CAUTION
1. This Public Announcement updates information on the
continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence
against Americans and interests overseas. This supersedes
the Worldwide Caution dated March 8, 2005 and expires on
February 2, 2006.
2. The Department of State remains concerned about the
continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and
other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests
overseas. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and
rioting can occur with little or no warning. Ongoing
events in Iraq have resulted in demonstrations and
associated violence in several countries; such events are
likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Nation-
wide elections in Afghanistan scheduled for mid-September
may also trigger violent anti-American actions.
3. Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and
affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist
attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions,
including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These
attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics to include
assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings.
Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-
conventional weapons, and target both official and private
interests. The latter may include facilities where U.S.
citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit,
including residential areas, business offices, clubs,
restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public
areas.
4. In the wake of the July 2005 London bombings and the
March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded
of the potential for terrorists to attack public
transportation systems. In addition, extremists may also
select aviation and maritime services as possible targets.
5. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a
high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and
take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal
security. For additional information, please refer to “A
Safe Trip Abroad” found at <http ://travel.state.gov>.
6. U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a
heightened state of alert. These facilities may
temporarily close or periodically suspend public services
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.
7. 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 1-202-501-4444.