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20.02.2013, 16:13
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| | | Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning
I've just received a warning from the US Embassy in Bern. I thought non-Americans might be interested in this too. There's more but I'm just posting the European part. Worldwide Caution February 18, 2013
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 July 18, 2012, 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. Current information suggests that al-Qaida, its affiliated organizations, and other terrorist organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings.
Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, and other tourist destinations both in the United States and abroad where U.S. citizens gather in large numbers, including during holidays.
U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. Extremists have targeted and attempted attacks on subway and rail systems, aviation, and maritime services. In the past, these types of attacks have occurred in cities such as Moscow, London, Madrid, Glasgow, and New York City. EUROPE: Current information suggests that al-Qaida, its affiliated organizations, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. and Western interests in Europe. Additionally, there is a continuing threat in Europe from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis. On February 1, 2013, an individual detonated a bomb at a side entrance to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, killing one Embassy guard and injuring others. The Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (Devrimci Halk Kurtulus Partisi/Cephesi or DHKP/C) claimed responsibility for the attack on its website. The DHKP/C has stated its intention to commit further attacks against the United States, NATO, and Turkey. European governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions. In the past several years, attacks have been planned or carried out in various European countries. On February 5, the Bulgarian government announced its judgment that Hizbollah was responsible for a July 2012 terrorist attack in Burgas which resulted in the deaths of five tourists and a bus driver.
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20.02.2013, 16:16
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning
US mind and behavior control at its finest | | The following 14 users would like to thank rob1 for this useful post: | Chrisso, Corbets, FCBarca, HAT, i-b-deborah, JBZ86, Jumping Captain, Mark75, Mud, Oldhand, olygirl, Roestigraben, st2lemans, V__ | 
20.02.2013, 16:18
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning | Quote: | |  | | | US mind and behavior control at its finest  | | | | | Thank God I have a bomb shelter.
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20.02.2013, 16:18
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning
Yet another reason to ditch the little bluebook.
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20.02.2013, 16:21
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning
Have you read the UK Foreign Office review of Switzerland??
"There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers."
Or
"Watch out for middle-eastern/indian-sub-continent looking gentleman carrying rucksacks"   | | The following 3 users would like to thank dodgyken for this useful post: | | 
20.02.2013, 16:27
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning All Americans living in Switzerland have been advised to enrol in the "Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to assure safe travel. Quote Before You Go
The Department of State encourages U.S. citizens living overseas or planning to travel abroad to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). When you enroll in STEP, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. Enrolling will also make it easier for the Embassy to contact you in the event of an emergency. You should remember to keep all of your information in STEP up to date; 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. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad".
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. U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
As 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 Information Program documents, including Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, Country Specific Information, and Emergency Messages, all of which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov/. Stay up to date by bookmarking our website or downloading our free Smart Traveler iPhone App for travel information at your fingertips. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
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 United States and Canada or, from other countries, 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). U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Switzerland are strongly advised to enroll through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy. By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of emergency. U.S. Embassy Bern Sulgeneckstrasse 19
3007 Bern, Switzerland
Tel: 031 357 70 11 Tel: 031 357 77 77 (emergencies only after-hours, weekends, and holidays) Fax: 031 357 72 80 Email: BernACS@state.gov
Unquote
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20.02.2013, 16:31
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning | Quote: | |  | | | U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Switzerland are strongly advised to enroll through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy. By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to track you and to ensure your taxation letter goes to the correct address | | | | |
fixed | | The following 17 users would like to thank rob1 for this useful post: | 3Wishes, adrianlondon, amaraya, BrianJW, brusch, cannut, Corbets, Dougal's Breakfast, HAT, kiwiguy08, kngavl, MathNut, Megsandbacon, Mud, olygirl, Roestigraben, V__ | 
20.02.2013, 16:37
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning | Quote: | |  | | | fixed  | | | | | I was thinking drone strikes, but your version is much less worrisome.  | | This user would like to thank 3Wishes for this useful post: | | 
20.02.2013, 16:39
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning
drone strike would be less hassle though!
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20.02.2013, 16:42
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning
So if we were to trawl "big country" foreign office websites for travel advice to Switzerland what do you think we would get? Every country in the world ever
Switzerland is low risk, it is full of happy people who will cause you no harm at all ever USA
Switzerland is high risk for Americans. Everyone in the world hates Americans and despises how incredibly successful/intelligent/good looking/etc we are and will take any opportunity to destroy democracy and god.
(Tongue so far in cheek it came out the other side)
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20.02.2013, 16:47
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning
Last time I checked, Turkey wasn't in Europe.
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20.02.2013, 16:48
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning
Should I buy a gun?
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20.02.2013, 16:52
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning | Quote: | |  | | | Last time I checked, Turkey wasn't in Europe. | | | | | You should find a new map, then.  Turkey is a transcontinental country that is part of both Europe and Asia. Not yet a member of the EU, though, in case that is what you meant. | 
20.02.2013, 16:53
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning | Quote: | |  | | | Should I buy a gun? | | | | | Oh yes - and a vest!
It is well known that in the US you have the right to bare arms | | The following 6 users would like to thank dodgyken for this useful post: | | 
20.02.2013, 16:59
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning
World Traveller Advisory Warning #1
Continued US Overseas aggression and unilateral assassination of suspected terrorists, their friends, their families, their families friends, nearby innocent civilians including woman and children and generally anyone in the area continues to provoke Worldwide Security fears. Travellers are advised to keep clear of US interests. Prolonged US interference in Sovereign Nations affairs continues to de-stabilise the peace process. Travellers wishing to travel to the US should avoid carrying suspicious items such as irony, humour, intelligence and National Pride. Those finding themselves caught up in the US should seek immediate medical assistance as prolonged exposure can lead to profound ignorance and short sightedness.
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20.02.2013, 17:00
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning | Quote: | |  | | | Oh yes - and a vest!
It is well known that in the US you have the right to bare arms  | | | | | | 
20.02.2013, 17:08
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning | Quote: | |  | | | Have you read the UK Foreign Office review of Switzerland??
"There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers."
Or
"Watch out for middle-eastern/indian-sub-continent looking gentleman carrying rucksacks"    | | | | | The first part may be acceptable but the second part is outright racist and disciminatory, beside being simply rubbish | 
20.02.2013, 17:11
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning | Quote: | |  | | | fixed  | | | | | Is it like AA's STEP program?
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20.02.2013, 17:57
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning
ATT: Avoid an public toilets , wherever you are,at al cost  | 
20.02.2013, 18:06
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| | | Re: Worldwide Caution - US Advisory Warning
This is a joke right? is it? | |
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