PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
Worldwide Caution
October 23, 2001
The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the security of Americans
overseas. On October 7, 2001, the U.S. Government initiated military action pursuant to
its inherent right of self-defense recognized in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter,
after the events of September 11 in the United States. As a result, there is a potential for
strong anti-American sentiment and for retaliatory actions to be taken against U.S.
citizens and interests throughout the world by terrorists and those who harbor
grievances against the United States. The Department urges Americans to review their
circumstances carefully and to take all appropriate measures to ensure their personal
safety. Americans are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the
nearest American embassy or consulate. The Department will continue to develop
information about potential threats to Americans overseas and to share with them
credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents. These
documents are available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.
U.S. citizens and interests abroad remain at increased risk of terrorist attacks, including
by groups with links to Usama Bin Ladin's Al-Qaida organization. These individuals do
not distinguish between official and civilian targets. There has been unconfirmed
information that terrorist actions may be taken against U.S. military facilities and/or
establishments frequented by U.S. military personnel in Korea and Japan.
Reports of and confirmed cases of exposure to anthrax have caused an increase in
anxiety over possible attacks using chemical and biological agents (CBA). Currently, the
method of delivery of anthrax has been by letter or package. While the risk of such
attacks is limited, it cannot be excluded. The Department will promptly share with
American citizens overseas any credible information about threats to their safety.
Americans should stay informed and be prepared for any eventuality.
In light of the above information, U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a
heightened state of alert. U.S. Government facilities have and will continue to
temporarily close or suspend public services as necessary to review their security
posture and ensure its adequacy. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates
will make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens.
U.S. citizens planning to travel abroad should consult the Department of State's Public
Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, Fact Sheets, and
regional travel brochures, all of which are available at the Consular Affairs Internet web
site at http://travel.state.gov. We will continue to provide
updated information should it become available. American citizens overseas may
contact the American Citizens Services unit of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate by
telephone or fax for up-to-date information on security conditions. American citizens in
need of emergency assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
before visiting there.
In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers may hear recorded information
by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their
touch-tone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-
3000 from their fax machine.
This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement - Worldwide Cautions
of October 7 and September 28, 2001 to consolidate the information and to note concern
with regard to reports of exposure to Anthrax. This Public Announcement expires on
April 19, 2002.
Department of State travel information and publications are available at Internet address:
http://travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department of
State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touchtone telephone, or receive information
by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.
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