Terrorism Flares in Southern Egypt

Middle East

Egypt: Gunmen attacked a tour bus on its way to ancient ruins in Luxor on Oct. 21, killing a British woman and wounding two British men. The attack was blamed on an extremist Islamic group, opposed to Western influences and tourism in Egypt, whose terrorist campaign has claimed 72 victims this year. The Englishwoman was the first foreigner killed. Two days later, on Oct. 23, gunmen fired on a boat carrying foreign tourists along the Nile as it passed Nag’ Hammadi, 280 miles south of Cairo. No one was injured in the attack.

The el-Gama’a el-Islamiya fundamentalist group warned tourists in September not to enter Qena province south of Asyut, and on Oct. 2 it attacked a Nile cruise ship carrying 140 Germans, wounding three Egyptian crew members. The U.S. Department of State recommends American travelers consult with the Consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo or the Consulate General in Alexandria for current information on security before traveling to this area.

Israel: A surge of killings in mid-October in the West Bank has raised concerns that the Palestinian uprising known as the intifada may resume in full force. The Israeli military closed off parts of the West Bank Oct. 18 as a security measure and intensified patrols along the “Green Line,” marking the boundary of the occupied West Bank. All travel to the West Bank should be avoided.

Turkey: Trouble continues in southeastern Turkey, where Kurdish separatists are fighting for autonomy from the Turkish government. Recent clashes occurred in Sirnak province, and travel to the area should be avoided.

Former Soviet Republics

Georgia: Trouble continues in the Caucasus region, where a state of emergency was imposed recently in the autonomous Russian region of Kabardino-Balkaria, which borders Georgia. People from Kabardino-Balkaria have been aiding rebels in the Georgian region of Abkhazia in their conflict with the Georgian government. Conflict continues in Abkhazia, and all travel there should be avoided.

Russia: The government of Russia announced Oct. 23 that it has lifted all travel restrictions on foreigners.

Asia

India: Separatist violence in the troubled northeastern state of Assam claimed 21 lives Oct. 13 when two bombs exploded on a passenger train en route to Rangapara from West Bengal. The bombings were blamed on the Bodo Security Force, one of several militant groups fighting for a separate Bodo state in India. Travel to Assam should be undertaken with caution.

Africa

Algeria: In response to the increased risk of violence and political turmoil in Algiers, the U.S. government has ordered the departure of minor dependents of U.S. Embassy personnel and has authorized the voluntary departure of other dependents. Non-essential travel to Algeria should be deferred at this time.

Kenya: Security measures undertaken by the Kenyan government have made the Masai Mara Game Reserve safer for visitors, the State Department has announced. Travelers are still advised to hire reputable safari firms or knowledgeable guides and to go on safari with at least two vehicles. Solo camping is not advised.

Street crime remains high in Nairobi, Mombasa and in the coastal beach resorts. Avoid walking alone in parks, along footpaths or on beaches, especially at night.

Liberia: Civil war has erupted again and tensions are high throughout the country. The State Department has ordered the departure of all non-essential U.S. Embassy personnel and all dependents, and advises Americans in Liberia to leave. Avoid all travel here.

Nigeria: FAA specialists determined in September that the international airport in Lagos does not meet the minimum security standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization. Airports also are specifically targeted by criminals. Persons posing as officials may offer assistance and then disappear with the traveler’s passport or baggage. Be wary.

Caribbean

Jamaica: A German tourist was shot and killed by muggers near the resort area of Oracabessa on the northeastern coast Oct. 14. The victim was returning to his hotel from a nightclub with a group of friends when they were attacked. Jamaican business leaders are calling upon the government to bring in international help to combat an increase in violent crime. The government blames the deportation of gang members from the United States and other countries, and has created a task force to monitor activities of reputed gang members.

Europe England: A spate of IRA bombings in London in October serves as a reminder to travelers to be especially aware of their surroundings. Statistically, the chances of being injured in such an incident are minute, but visitors should remain cautious. Be alert for untended bags, and don’t leave your own, even for a moment, or it could become suspect and cause alarm, or be confiscatd and destroyed.

World Travel Watch is a monthly report designed to help you make informed judgments about travel. Because conditions can change overnight, always make your own inquiries before you leave home. For more information on safety concerns in countries you may be visiting, contact the Citizens Emergency Center, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, (202) 647-5225.