On July 31, 2022, the United States conducted a precision counterterrorism strike in Afghanistan that killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s deputy and successor as leader of Al-Qaeda. Al-Zawahiri was one of the masterminds of the attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, and continued to encourage his followers to attack the United States. After the death of al-Zawahiri, supporters of al-Qaeda, or its affiliated terrorist organizations, may seek to attack US facilities, personnel or citizens. Because terrorist attacks often occur without warning, U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness when traveling abroad.
Global Alerts provides U.S. citizens with general information about terrorist activities, political violence, and criminal activity occurring abroad, as well as specific recommendations on how to prepare for potential contingencies, receive information about breaching security events, and ensure that travelers can be contacted at all times. . crisis This version supersedes the January 15, 2019 Global Alert.
The State Department remains concerned about the continuing threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other acts of violence against American citizens and interests abroad. The State Department believes that there is a higher potential for anti-US violence due to the death of Ayman al-Zawahiri on July 31, 2022. Current information suggests that terrorist organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against US interests in several regions around the world . These attacks can employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings.
Because terrorist attacks, political violence (including demonstrations), criminal activities, and other security incidents often occur without any warning, U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness when traveling abroad. US government facilities worldwide actively monitor potential security threats and may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, US embassies and consulates will endeavor to provide emergency services to US citizens. US citizens abroad are encouraged to check the local news and keep in touch with the nearest US embassy or consulate.
When planning travel and before leaving the United States, U.S. citizens should consult country-specific Travel Advisories and information pages on travel.state.gov. Travelers are also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety messages and make it easier to find them in an emergency. The Department uses these security messages to convey information about terrorist threats, security incidents, planned demonstrations, natural disasters, etc. In an emergency, please contact the nearest US embassy or consulate or call the following numbers: 1 (888) 407-4747 ( toll-free in the US and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 from other countries.
Private US citizens should not travel to any country to participate in an armed conflict. US citizens are reminded that fighting on behalf of, or providing other forms of support to, designated terrorist organizations may constitute the provision of material support for terrorism, which is a serious crime that can result in penalties, including prison time and large fines.
For further information:
By ramirezej | 3 August 2022 | Subjects: Alert, Messages for US Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: al-Qa’ida, death of al-Zawahiri, anti-US violence, attack on US facilities, Message for US citizens, or citizens, personnel, terrorist, Global Caution
