News Watch
Somalia unsettled
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Somalia, including the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland. Kidnapping, murder, illegal roadblocks, banditry and other violent incidents can occur in many regions.
Be alert in China
The Department of State reminds travelers that any large-scale public event, such as the upcoming Olympic Games in China, may present an attractive target for terrorists.
Nicaragua highwaymen
In May, the U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua reported two separate incidents in which groups of travelers were kidnapped and robbed at night while driving on the Tipitapa-Masaya Highway from the Managua International Airport to Granada.
Nepal crime and more
Nepal continues to experience sporadic incidents of terrorism and politically motivated violence in major urban areas.
Cyclone hits Myanmar
Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar near the lower Irrawaddy Delta region on May 2-3, 2008, with winds of 120 to 150 mph, then traveled inland to Rangoon. The government declared disaster areas in five central and southern regions: Rangoon, Irrawaddy, Bago, Mon and Kayin.
Floods in Chile
In central and southern Chile, five months worth of rain fell in eight hours on May 22-23, causing floods that killed five people and displaced 15,000. There were mudslides, trees fell and at least seven rivers burst their banks.
Blasts in Jaipur
In Jaipur, India, 80 people were killed and 200 wounded on May 13 when eight bombs detonated within minutes of each other near crowded markets, bazaars and a Hindu temple in the Old City. A ninth bomb found on a bicycle was defused.
Current warnings for July 2008
As ITN went to press, the State Department had travel warnings on 28 destinations: Somalia, Lebanon, Nepal, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Haiti, Burundi, Syria, Yemen, Eritrea, Algeria, Central African Republic, Kenya, Israel/West Bank/Gaza, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Co
Burundi risks
The Department of State continues to caution against traveling to Burundi.
Egypt food riots
For decades, Egypt has provided its citizens subsidies for gasoline and public transportation and, for the poor, food staples as well as a type of flat, round bread. Unsubsidized bread can cost 10 to 12 times the subsidized price of less than one cent.
Avoid Yemen
The Department of State recommends that American citizens defer nonessential travel to Yemen. Nonemergency American employees of the U.S.
Current warnings for June 2008
As ITN went to press, the State Department had travel warnings on 28 destinations: Burundi, Lebanon, Syria, Haiti, Yemen, Eritrea, Algeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Kenya, Israel/West Bank/G
Lebanon threats
The Department of State continues to strongly urge that Americans defer travel to Lebanon.
Zimbabwe intimidation
At press time, Zimbabweans were still awaiting the results of the March 29 presidential elections. Security forces as well as war veterans were creating a climate of intimidation and fear across the country. There were attacks on opposition supporters, renewed farm invasions and arrests of election officials.
China wary
The Department of State reports a heightened risk that extremist groups will conduct terrorist acts within China in the near future.
Syria concerns
Since 1979, the United States has designated Syria a State Sponsor of Terrorism due to its support for organizations such as Hizbollah, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. In addition, other extremist groups are present that oppose U.S. policies.
Threats in Sudan
The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Sudan, particularly in the Darfur area, where violence between government forces and various armed militias continues.
Bolivia wary
People who do not have proof of valid yellow fever vaccinations have been denied boarding by airlines flying to Bolivia recently, according to the U.S. Embassy in La Paz. The disease is has been found in neighboring countries.
Tunisia kidnapping
In Tunisia, two Austrian tourists driving a 4-wheel-drive vehicle in the southern desert were kidnapped in late February 2008. A U.S.-designated terrorist organization claimed responsibility and, at press time, was demanding the release of jailed militants in Tunisia and Algeria.
Israel, West Bank & Gaza
The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to remain mindful of security factors when considering travel to Israel at this time. It urges deferring travel to the West Bank and avoiding all travel to the Gaza Strip.