US Embassy Bangkok, Thailand Security Message Friday, April 11, 2 1! "orld "ide #aution $ April 1 , 2 1!

The Department of State has issued this Worldwide Caution to update information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This replaces the Worldwide Caution dated September !" #$%" to provide updated information on security threats and terrorist activities worldwide. The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks" demonstrations" and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. &idnappings and hostage events involving U.S. citizens have become increasingly prevalent as al 'a(ida and its affiliates have increased attempts to finance their operations through kidnapping for ransom operations. )l*'a+ida in the )rabian ,eninsula -)'),. and al*'a+ida in the /slamic 0aghreb -)'/0. are particularly effective with kidnapping for ransom and are using ransom money to fund the range of their activities. &idnapping targets are usually Western citizens from governments or third parties that have established a pattern of paying ransoms for the release of individuals in custody. Current information suggests that al*'a+ida" its affiliated organizations" and other terrorist groups continue to plan and encourage kidnappings of U.S. citizens and Westerners. U.S. citizens should closely monitor Travel Warnings and )lerts" as well as Country Specific /nformation" on the Department of State+s travel website to review the latest safety and security information for destination countries. /nformation also suggests that al*'a+ida and its affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions" including 1urope" )sia" )frica" and the 0iddle 1ast. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations" assassinations" kidnappings" hi2ackings" and bombings. 13tremists may elect to use conventional or non* conventional weapons" and target both official and private interests. 13amples of such targets include high*profile sporting events" residential areas" business offices" hotels" clubs" restaurants" places of worship" schools" public areas" shopping malls" and other tourist destinations both in the United States and abroad where U.S. citizens gather in large numbers" including during holidays. /n early )ugust #$%" the Department of State instructed certain U.S. embassies and consulates to remain closed or to suspend operations )ugust 4 through )ugust $# because of security information received. The U.S. government took these precautionary steps out of an abundance of caution and care for our employees and others who may have planned to visit our installations. U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. 13tremists have targeted and attempted attacks on subway

and rail systems" aviation" and maritime services. /n the past" these types of attacks have occurred in cities such as 0oscow" 5ondon" 0adrid" 6lasgow" and 7ew 8ork City. EUROPE: Current information suggests that al*'a+ida" its affiliated organizations" and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. and Western interests in 1urope. )dditionally" there is a continuing threat in 1urope from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by ma2or terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis. /n the past several years" organized e3tremist attacks have been planned or carried out in various 1uropean countries. /n 9ctober #$% and twice in December #$%" suicide bombers targeted mass transportation in :olgograd" ;ussia" killing at least <# people. /n 0ay #$%" in 5ondon" two /slamic e3tremists" unaffiliated with any group" killed a =ritish soldier. The reported reason for the attack was to avenge the deaths of 0uslims killed by =ritish soldiers. 9n >ebruary $" #$%" an individual detonated a bomb at a side entrance to the U.S. 1mbassy in )nkara" killing one 1mbassy guard and in2uring others. The ;evolutionary ,eople+s 5iberation ,arty?>ront -Devrimci @alk &urtulus ,artisi?Cephesi or D@&,?C. claimed responsibility on its website for the attack. The D@&,?C has stated its intention to commit further attacks against the United States" 7)T9" and Turkey. 1uropean governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks" and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions. MIDDLE EAST and NORTH AFRICA: Credible information indicates terrorist groups also seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the 0iddle 1ast and 7orth )frica. The U.S. government remains highly concerned about possible attacks against U.S. citizens" facilities" businesses" and perceived U.S. and Western interests. Terrorist organizations continue to be active in 8emen" including al*'a+ida in the )rabian ,eninsula -)'),.. Security threat levels remain high in 8emen due to terrorist activities and civil unrest. ) number of e3tremist groups operate in 5ebanon. )s a result of spillover violence from the Syria crisis" Sunni groups are active and @izballah" a group designated by the U.S. government as a terrorist organization" is also present. Sunni e3tremists have escalated the freAuency and scope of indiscriminate bombings and small arms attacks against 5ebanese Shia targets in =eirut" in addition to other locations throughout the country including @ermel and )rsal in eastern 5ebanon. 9ther incidents" sometimes attributed to sectarian retaliatory actions" have occurred along the coast in Sidon and in Tripoli in northern 5ebanon. 0any of the attacks have targeted specific individuals or venues" but in all cases have resulted in death and harm to passersby in the vicinity. )lthough there is no evidence these attacks were directed specifically at U.S. citizens at this time" there is a real possibility of Bwrong place" wrong timeB harm to U.S. citizens. 9n >ebruary $C" twin suicide car bombings targeting the /ranian Cultural Center in a southern =eirut suburb killed at least seven people and wounded over $ D others. The al*'a+ida*linked )bdallah )zzam =rigades claimed responsibility for the attack. The same group also claimed responsibility for a double suicide bombing on 7ovember $C" #$% that targeted the /ranian 1mbassy in south =eirut" which left at least ! dead" and $!# in2ured. 9n December <" #$%" a car bomb in downtown =eirut killed former >inance 0inister 0ohammad Chatah" and seven others" while in2uring more than <#. /raA is e3periencing levels of violence not seen since ##<" and /slamic State of /raA and the 5evant -/S/5" formerly known as al*'a+ida in /raA -)'/.." is increasingly resurgent. )lthough U.S. interests have not been targeted directly" the threat of attacks against U.S. citizens" including kidnapping and terrorist violence" continues" even in =aghdad+s /nternational Eone. =ahrain continues to see bouts of sectarian violence" with Shi+a insurgents conducting

increasingly lethal /1D attacks against =ahraini 6overnment targets to include facilities and security forces. )l*'a+ida in the 5ands of the /slamic 0aghreb -)'/0. and its affiliates are active throughout 7orth )frica. /n )lgeria" terrorists sporadically attack Westerners and )lgerian government targets" particularly in the &abylie region" and near )lgeria+s borders with 5ibya and 0ali. Terrorists have targeted oil processing plants in )lgeria" Saudi )rabia" and 8emen. /n 5ibya" various groups have called for attacks against U.S. citizens and U.S. interests. >or instance" in 9ctober and December #$%" e3tremist groups in 5ibya made specific threats against U.S. government officials and U.S. non* governmental organizations -769s. operating in 5ibya. =ecause of the presumption that foreigners" especially U.S. citizens" in 5ibya may be associated with the U.S. government or U.S. 769s" travelers should be aware that they may be targeted by e3tremist groups seeking to in2ure or kill U.S. citizens" and should act accordingly with e3treme caution. /n addition" on December !" #$%" a U.S. citizen teacher resident in =enghazi was killed in a drive*by shooting near his home. Some elements in /ran remain hostile to the United States. U.S. citizens should remain cautious and be aware that there may be a more aggressive focus by the /ranian government on terrorist activity against U.S citizens. Continuing political and social unrest in 1gypt has led to large demonstrations that have turned violent. 7o part of Syria should be considered immune from violence" and throughout the country the potential e3ists for unpredictable and hostile acts" including kidnappings" sniper assaults" large and small*scale bombings" and chemical attacks" as well as arbitrary arrest" detention" and torture. There is also a threat from terrorism" including groups like /S/5 and al*7usrah >ront as well as other e3tremist groups. Tactics for these groups include the use of suicide bombers" kidnapping" use of small and heavy arms" and improvised e3plosive devices in ma2or city centers" includingF Damascus" )leppo" @amah" Dara" @oms" /dlib" and Dayr al* Eawr. ,ublic places" such as government buildings" shopping areas" and open spaces" have been targeted. Since the start of the uprising against Syrian ,resident =ashar al*)ssad+s regime in 0arch #$$" the United States has received reports of !G foreigners kidnapped in Syria" D# of whom are still in captivity. The ma2ority of the victims are 2ournalists and aid workers. AFRICA: ) number of al*'a+ida operatives and other e3tremists are believed to be operating in and around )frica. /n >ebruary #$ " the emir of U.S*designated >oreign Terrorist 9rganization al*Shabaab and al*'a+ida+s leader" )yman al*Eawahiri" announced the alliance of the two organizations. )l*Shabaab has taken credit for the attack on the shopping mall in 7airobi" &enya on September $" #$%" which claimed the lives of over G# people and in2ured over a hundred more" including U.S. citizens. /n the past year and a half" there have been numerous other attacks involving shootings" grenades" or e3plosive devices in &enya. 9ver $## people died in these attacks" and more than ## people were in2ured. 7o U.S. citizens were among the casualties. >ourteen grenade and improvised e3plosive device -/1D. attacks have occurred in 7airobi" illustrating an increase in the number of attacks and an advance in the sophistication of attacks. )l*Shabaab assassinations" suicide bombings" hostage taking" and indiscriminate attacks in civilian*populated areas are also freAuent in Somalia. Terrorist operatives and armed groups in Somalia have demonstrated their intent to attack Somali authorities" the )frican Union 0ission in Somalia" and non*military targets such as international donor offices and humanitarian assistance providers. )dditionally" the terrorist group al*'a+ida in the 5ands of the /slamic 0aghreb -)'/0. has declared its intention to attack Western targets throughout

the Sahel -an area that stretches across the )frican continent between the )tlantic 9cean and the ;ed Sea to include Senegal" 0ali" )lgeria" 7iger" Chad" Sudan" and 1ritrea.. /t has claimed responsibility for kidnappings" attempted kidnappings" and the murder of several Westerners throughout the region" including southern )lgeria. :iolent e3tremist elements including" but not limited to )nsar al*Dine" the 0ovement for 9neness and Hihad -0UH)9." al* 'aida in the 5ands of /slamic 0aghreb -)'/0." and e3tremists tied to the newly formed al* 0urabitun" remain active in the region. )'/0* related threats against Westerners in 0ali and elsewhere increased following the initiation of the U.S.*supported" >rench*led intervention in northern and central 0ali" where the security environment remains fluid. /n neighboring 7iger" terrorists formerly associated with )'/0 conducted suicide attacks targeting a >rench mining facility and a 7igerien military compound in )gadez in late 0ay of #$%. The loosely organized group of factions known as =oko @aram continues to carry out significant improvised e3plosive device and suicide bombings in northern 7igeria" mainly targeting government forces and innocent civilians. =oko @aram and splinter group )nsaru have also claimed responsibility for the kidnappings of several Western workers and tourists" both in northern 7igeria and northern CameroonI )nsaru has murdered virtually all of its hostages in the face of real or perceived rescue attempts" while =oko @aram allegedly received a large ransom payment for the release of a >rench family abducted near a tourist park in northern Cameroon. 5ate #$% saw an increase in =oko @aram attacks and clashes with 7igerian government security forces in northern 7igeria. =oko @aram has also targeted women and children for kidnapping" reportedly kidnapping women in northern states for marriage as Bslave brides.B =oko @aram is known to descend on whole towns" robbing banks and businesses" attacking police and military installations" and setting fire to private homes. /n #$%" e3tremists have also targeted both 7igerians and foreign nationals involved in polio eradication efforts in northern 7igeria. 13tremists attacked a school in northeast 7igeria" killing over 4# students" and have called for further attacks on educational institutions. Several agencies that have partnered with the U.S. government in the field of public health development in northern 7igeria have curtailed their activities in response to these threats. The president of 7igeria declared a state of emergency in three northeastern states in response to activities of e3tremist groups. U.S. citizens considering travel by sea near the @orn of )frica" the 6ulf of 6uinea" or in the southern ;ed Sea should e3ercise e3treme caution" as there have been armed attacks" robberies" and kidnappings for ransom by pirates. The threat of hi2acking to merchant vessels continues to e3ist in Somali territorial waters and as far as $"### nautical miles off the coast of Somalia" 8emen" and &enya in international waters. There has also been a recent rise in piracy and armed robbery in the 6ulf of 6uinea" including hi2ackings. U.S. government maritime authorities advise mariners to avoid the port of 0ogadishu and to remain at least ## nautical miles off the coast of Somalia. /n addition" when transiting around the @orn of )frica" the 6ulf of 6uinea" or in the ;ed Sea" it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys and maintain good communications at all times. U.S. citizens traveling on commercial passenger vessels should consult with the shipping or cruise ship company regarding precautions that will be taken to avoid hi2acking incidents. Commercial vessels should review the Department of Transportation 0aritime )dministration+s @orn of )frica ,iracy page for information on maritime advisories" self*protection measures" and naval forces in the region. ;eview our /nternational 0aritime ,iracy >act Sheet for information on piracy in the southern ;ed Sea" the 6ulf of )den" and the /ndian 9cean.

SOUTH ASIA: The U.S. government continues to receive information that terrorist groups in South )sia may also be planning attacks in the region" possibly against U.S. government facilities" U.S. citizens" or U.S. interests. The presence of al*'a+ida" Taliban elements" 5ashkar*e* Tayyiba" indigenous sectarian groups" and other terror organizations" many of which are on the U.S. government+s list of designated >oreign Terrorist 9rganizations" poses a potential danger to U.S. citizens in the region. Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and ability to attack locations where U.S. citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. Their actions may include" but are not limited to" vehicle*borne e3plosive attacks" improvised e3plosive device attacks" assassinations" car2ackings" rocket attacks" assaults" or kidnappings. Such attacks have occurred in a number of South )sian states" including ,akistan" where a number of e3tremist groups continue to target U.S. and other Western citizens and interests" and ,akistani government and military?law enforcement personnel. Suicide bombing attacks continue to occur throughout the country on a regular basis" often targeting government authorities such as police checkpoints and military installations" as well as public areas such as mosAues" and shopping areas. U.S. citizens are increasingly targeted for kidnapping. 7o part of )fghanistan should be considered immune from violence" and throughout the country the potential e3ists for hostile acts" either targeted or random" against U.S. and other Western nationals at any time. 1lements of the Taliban and the al*'a+ida terrorist network" as well as other insurgent groups hostile to the 6overnment of the /slamic ;epublic of )fghanistan" remain active. /nsurgents continue to target various U.S. and )fghan government facilities" including a sophisticated" multiple*e3plosives and small*arms assault against the U.S. Consulate in @erat which killed two security guards and in2ured another # in September #$%. /nsurgents also are increasingly targeting U.S. and foreign security convoys traveling in &abul. /n early >ebruary #$4" a lone vehicle borne improvised e3plosive device detonated in close pro3imity to a U.S. security convoy" killing three civilian contractors. There is an ongoing threat of kidnapping and assassination of U.S. citizens and non*governmental organization -769. workers throughout the country. /ndia has e3perienced terrorist and insurgent activities that may affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly. )nti*Western terrorist groups" some of which are on the U.S. government+s list of designated >oreign Terrorist 9rganizations" have been active in /ndia" including /slamist e3tremist groups such as @arkat*ul* Hihad*i*/slami" @arakat ul*0u2ahidin" /ndian 0u2ahideen" Haish*e*0ohammed" and the ,akistan*based 5ashkar*e Tayyiba. Terrorists have targeted public places in /ndia freAuented by Westerners" including lu3ury and other hotels" trains" train stations" markets" cinemas" mosAues" and restaurants in large urban areas. CENTRAL ASIA: Supporters of terrorist groups such as the /slamic 0ovement of Uzbekistan" al*'a+ida" the /slamic Hihad Union" and the 1astern Turkistan /slamic 0ovement remain active in Central )sia. These groups have e3pressed anti*U.S. sentiments and may attempt to target U.S. government interests. EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC: /nformation from confirmed sources suggests that there is a continued risk of armed terrorist and criminal groups operating and planning attacks against foreigners" including U.S. citizens" in the 1ast )sian and ,acific region. 13tremist groups in the region have demonstrated the capability to carry out attacks in locations where Westerners congregate. There is a risk of travel to the southern ,hilippines" specifically related to kidnapping threats in

the Sulu )rchipelago and the ongoing threat of violence on the island of 0indanao" particularly in Central 0indanao. U.S. citizens should defer non*essential travel to the Sulu )rchipelago" due to the high threat of kidnapping of international travelers and violence linked to insurgency and terrorism there. U.S. citizens should continue to e3ercise e3treme caution if traveling to 0indanao. /n #$%" separatist and terrorist groups increased the tempo and scale of their activities and confrontations with ,hilippine security forces" with increased bombings" attacks on civilians and political leaders" and battles with security forces. /n September #$%" elements of the 0oro 7ational 5iberation >ront -075>. occupied portions of the city of Eamboanga and engaged in a lengthy battle with security forces which reduced large parts of the city to rubble. The U.S. government has designated two groups" Hemaah /slamiyah -H/. and the )bu Sayyaf 6roup -)S6." as >oreign Terrorist 9rganizations. H/ is linked to al*'a+ida and other regional terrorist groups and has cells operating throughout Southeast )sia. 9n 7ovember $!" #$%" gunmen" linked to the )bu Sayyaf 6roup" raided a resort on ,om ,om /sland off the eastern coast of Sabah" killing a tourist from Taiwan and taking his wife hostage. 9n December #" ,hilippine authorities recovered her in a forest near the village of Talipao on the island of Holo. Some media reports indicated she was released in e3change for a ransom payment. 9n December " ;oyal 0alaysia ,olice announced the arrest of two suspects in Semporna" eastern Sabah" allegedly linked to the attack. &idnappings*for* ransom occur in these areas. /n addition to incursions on the coastal and island resorts themselves" criminal or terrorist bands may attempt to intercept boats ferrying tourists in the area. ************* =efore 8ou 6o ************* The Department of State urges U.S. citizens living overseas or planning to travel abroad to enroll in the Smart Traveler 1nrollment ,rogram -ST1,.. When you enroll in ST1," we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. 1nrolling will also make it easier for the 1mbassy to contact you in the event of an emergency. 8ou should remember to keep all of your information in ST1, up to dateI it is particularly important when you enroll or update your information to include a current phone number and e*mail address. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance" be aware of local events" and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. >or additional information" please refer to Traveler+s Checklist. 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. /n those instances" U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. )s the Department of State continues to develop information on potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas" it shares credible threat information through its Consular /nformation ,rogram documents" including Travel Warnings" Travel )lerts" Country Specific /nformation" and 1mergency and Security 0essages" all of which are available on the =ureau of Consular )ffairs website at httpF??travel.state.gov. >ollow us on Twitter and the =ureau of Consular

)ffairs page on >acebook as well. /n addition to information on the internet" travelers may obtain up*to*date information on security conditions by calling $*DDD*4#<*4<4< toll*free in the United States and Canada or" from other countries" on a regular toll line at $* # *!#$*4444. These numbers are available from DF## am to DF## pm 0onday through >riday" 1astern Time -e3cept U.S. federal holidays.. The )merican Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. 1mbassy -httpF??bangkok.usembassy.gov?service.html. is located at C! Wireless ;oad in =angkok" and can be reached by calling GG* * #!*4#4C" or by e*mailingacsbkkJstate.gov. The 1mbassyKs after*hours emergency telephone number is GG* * #!*4###. The U.S. Consulate 6eneral in Chiang 0ai -httpF??chiangmai.usconsulate.gov?service.html. is located at %D< Wichayanond ;oad in Chiang 0ai. The )merican Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate 6eneral can be reached by calling GG*!%*$#<*<<< and by e*mail at acschnJstate.gov. The after*hours emergency telephone number is GG*D$*DD$*$D<D.