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.<\/p>\n
I kid.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Subject: \tUS Embassy BEIRUT Warden Message – August 3, 2005
\nFrom: \t“Beirut, ACS” <beirutacs @state.gov>
\nDate: \tWed, August 3, 2005 5:11 am
\nTo: \t“Beirut, ACS” <beirutacs @state.gov><\/p>\n
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT – WORLDWIDE CAUTION<\/p>\n
1. This Public Announcement updates information on the
\ncontinuing threat of terrorist actions and violence
\nagainst Americans and interests overseas. This supersedes
\nthe Worldwide Caution dated March 8, 2005 and expires on
\nFebruary 2, 2006.<\/p>\n
2. The Department of State remains concerned about the
\ncontinued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and
\nother violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests
\noverseas. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and
\nrioting can occur with little or no warning. Ongoing
\nevents in Iraq have resulted in demonstrations and
\nassociated violence in several countries; such events are
\nlikely to continue for the foreseeable future. Nation-
\nwide elections in Afghanistan scheduled for mid-September
\nmay also trigger violent anti-American actions.<\/p>\n
3. Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and
\naffiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist
\nattacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions,
\nincluding Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These
\nattacks may employ a wide variety of tactics to include
\nassassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings.
\nExtremists may elect to use conventional or non-
\nconventional weapons, and target both official and private
\ninterests. The latter may include facilities where U.S.
\ncitizens and other foreigners congregate or visit,
\nincluding residential areas, business offices, clubs,
\nrestaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public
\nareas.<\/p>\n
4. In the wake of the July 2005 London bombings and the
\nMarch 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded
\nof the potential for terrorists to attack public
\ntransportation systems. In addition, extremists may also
\nselect aviation and maritime services as possible targets.<\/p>\n
5. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a
\nhigh level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and
\ntake the appropriate steps to bolster their personal
\nsecurity. For additional information, please refer to “A
\nSafe Trip Abroad” found at <http :\/\/travel.state.gov>.<\/p>\n
6. U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a
\nheightened state of alert. These facilities may
\ntemporarily close or periodically suspend public services
\nto assess their security posture. In those instances,
\nU.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to
\nprovide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans
\nabroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain
\ncontact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.<\/p>\n
7. As the Department continues to develop information on
\nany potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas,
\nit shares credible threat information through its consular
\ninformation program documents, available on the Internet
\nat <http :\/\/travel.state.gov>. In addition to information on
\nthe Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information
\non security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free
\nin the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular
\ntoll line at 1-202-501-4444.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 … Continue reading