On Thursday, the State Department issued a rare “worldwide caution” advisory for US citizens everywhere, citing terrorism and potential for anti-American demonstrations. The advisory urges US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution and stay alert in locations frequented by tourists. It also recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas. Additionally, the Department of State advises following them on Facebook and Twitter.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows US citizens and nationals traveling or living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. By enrolling in STEP, you will receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans. You will also help the US Embassy contact you in an emergency situation.
The advisory is a general warning to US citizens traveling abroad to be cautious and vigilant. It is important to note that this is not a travel ban, but rather a cautionary measure to ensure the safety of US citizens overseas. The Department of State has issued this advisory due to the current global situation, which has seen an increase in tensions in various locations around the world. The advisory is intended to help US citizens stay safe while traveling abroad by providing them with information on how to stay safe and what to do in case of an emergency.
It is important for US citizens traveling abroad to be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This includes staying informed about their destination, avoiding areas where there are large crowds or protests, and being aware of local customs and laws.
After a hospital blast in Gaza City that killed hundreds, leading to protests at U.S. and Israeli embassies around the world, including those in Tunisia, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon and Morocco. The explosion has been a source of contention between Israeli and Palestinian officials, with both sides trading accusations over who was responsible for the devastating explosion.
The incident has sparked anger and protests across the Middle East and North Africa. Hezbollah has called for a “day of rage” as Arab countries’ leaders condemn Israel over the deadly blast at Al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital. Anti-Israel protests have flared up across the region, with thousands of protesters shouting slogans against Israel and demanding justice for the victims.
The U.S. State Department has issued a “worldwide caution” alert for U.S. citizens overseas due to the escalating tension over the Israel-Hamas war. The alert advises U.S. citizens to “exercise increased caution” due to “the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests”.
On Tuesday President Biden backed Israel’s denial of responsibility for the hospital explosion in Gaza City , and said that U.S. military data showed that Gaza militants were culpable. The explosion has been a source of contention between Israeli and Palestinian officials, with both sides trading accusations over who was responsible for the devastating explosion.
The U.S. State Department has raised the advisory level for travel in Israel and the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. The advisory level has been raised to Level 3 – Reconsider Travel due to terrorism and civil unrest. The Travel Advisory for Gaza remains Level 4 – Do Not Travel.
On Thursday, the department issued a “do not travel” alert for Lebanon, which borders Israel to the north. The travel alert has been raised to Level 4 – Do Not Travel due to the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges between Israel and Hizbollah or other armed militant factions. U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to Lebanon due to terrorism, civil unrest, armed conflict, crime, kidnapping, and Embassy Beirut’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens.
The State Department has issued 15 worldwide alerts in the last decade. The most recent alert was issued on Thursday, October 19, 2023. The alert advised all US citizens worldwide to “exercise increased caution” due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests”. The alert was issued amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and fears of retaliatory anti-American violence.
The previous alert was issued in August 2022 after the death of al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. The alert warned that “supporters of al-Qa’ida, or its affiliated terrorist organizations, may seek to attack U.S. facilities, personnel, or citizens”.
It is important to note that the State Department issues alerts to ensure the safety of US citizens traveling or residing abroad. These alerts are based on credible information and are updated regularly to reflect changing situations around the world.
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