Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08STATE101868
2008-09-24 00:23:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

TRAVEL ALERT - ARABIAN PENINSULA AND PERSIAN

Tags:  CASC ASEC PTER AMGT XF XI 
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 101868 

C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (REALIGNING TEXT)

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC ASEC PTER AMGT XF XI
SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT - ARABIAN PENINSULA AND PERSIAN
GULF

STATE 00101868 001.2 OF 002


UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 101868

C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (REALIGNING TEXT)

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC ASEC PTER AMGT XF XI
SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT - ARABIAN PENINSULA AND PERSIAN
GULF

STATE 00101868 001.2 OF 002



1. This Travel Alert is being issued to warnAmericans
about heightened security concerns in and around the
Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf. U.S. citizens traveling
to or already in the region are reminded to maintain a high
level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase
their security awareness. This Travel Alert expires on
February 22, 2009.


2. The security threat level in the ArabianPeninsula and
Persian Gulf region remains high after the
September 17 terrorist attack on the U.S. Embassyin Sanaa,
Yemen, in Uewhich several security personnel and innocent
bystanders, including one U.S. citizen, were killed. Credible
information indicates that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations
continue to plan attacks against U.S. interests in the region.
These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including
suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and
bombings. While conventional weapons such as explosive
devices are a more immediate threat in many areas,
the use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical
[or biological agents, must be considered a possible threat.
Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian
targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities may lead
terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softertargets such
as public transportation, residential areas, andpublic
areas where people congregate, including restaurants, hotels,
Clubs, and shopping areas.


3. Potential targets are not limited to those companies or
establishments with overt U.S. ties. For instance, terrorists
may target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos, or
any similar type of establishment, regardless of whether they
are owned and operated by host country nationals. Due
to varying degrees of security at all such locations, U.S.
citizens should be particularly vigilant when visiting
these establishments. From time to time, the Embassy may
restrict official Americans from restaurants, hotels, or
shopping areas. U.S. citizens should exercise caution
and take prudent security measures, including maintaining
a high level of vigilance, avoiding crowds and demonstrations,
keeping a low profile, varying times and routes for all
travel, and ensuring travel documents are current.


4. U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged
to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
through the State Department's travel registration web site at
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that
they can obtain updated information on travel and
security. Americans without Internet access may
register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it
easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in
case of emergency.


5. 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.


6. 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, including

STATE 00101868 002.2 OF 002


the Worldwide Caution, 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. and Canada or, outside the
U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-

4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00
pm Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S.
federal holidays.)


7. Minimize Considered.
RICE