North Africa & Mideast

• On Sept. 12, the US Department of State ordered the departure of all nonemergency government personnel from LIBYA, following the attack on the US Diplomatic mission in Benghazi in which the American Ambassador was killed. Political violence subsequently increased in Benghazi and Tripoli.

• On Sept. 14, the US Department of State ordered the departure of all nonemergency government personnel from TUNISIA, following the attack on the Embassy in Tunis. At press time, it was warning against all travel to Tunisia.

• The Department of State warns of a continued high threat of terrorism and kidnappings in ALGERIA. Al-Qaeda operates throughout the country. The Movement for Unity & Jihad in West Africa is also active, and in March they claimed responsibility for a car bomb attack at an Algerian military base in Tamanrasset and another at a base in Ouargla.

• Due to an upsurge in violence in LEBANON and the region, the US Department of State urges avoiding all travel to Lebanon.

The ongoing unrest in Syria has resulted in numerous security incidents in the Lebanon/Syria border region. Sporadic violence involving Hizballah or other extremist or criminal organizations remains a possibility in many areas of the country. Clashes between authorities and criminal elements have recently occurred in the Bekaa Valley and border regions.

Access to borders, airports, roads, and seaports can be interrupted with little warning. Public demonstrations occur often and may turn violent.