Americans Warned to Stay Out of Southern Egypt for Three Months

Middle East

Egypt: Following a terrorist attack last Monday that killed at least 62 people, most of them foreign tourists, the U.S. Embassy in Cairo warned Americans against traveling to southern Egypt for the next three months and advised Americans anywhere in Egypt to be cautious. The attack, which took place at the Temple of Hatshepsut near Luxor, left dozens of Swiss, Japanese, German, British and other tourists dead. No Americans were reported among the casualties.

The incident, the deadliest attack on tourists in Egypt’s history, prompted several major foreign tour operators to cancel trips to Luxor, whose ancient ruins normally draw about 2 million tourists a year. Britain and Japan joined the United States in warning citizens against traveling to the Nile region of Upper Egypt, and Switzerland warned tourists to stay away from Egypt altogether.

Yemen: U.S. diplomats have received information about a terrorist threat to Americans in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital. No specifics were given, but the embassy urged Americans to be cautious in places “where the official and private American communities come together.”

The terrorist threat did not appear to be related to the rash of abductions of foreigners for which Yemen is becoming notorious. The abductions, carried out by various tribes, usually occur in rural areas and are often related to tribal grievances with the government. So far, all hostages have been released unharmed. In recent weeks, tribes kidnapped an American and freed four French tourists, four Russians and a Briton.

South America

Peru and Ecuador: The border area where Peru and Ecuador fought a brief war in 1995 appears to be heating up again, according to the Associated Press. Last month, Peru accused Ecuadorean soldiers of firing mortar shells at a jungle border post, and angry demonstrators marched in both countries. In recent months, Peru and Ecuador have staged military maneuvers along the disputed border. The State Department has issued no recent caution regarding the border region. But it adds that for travelers to approach the border anywhere except at official checkpoints “is dangerous and not advisable.”

Asia

Pakistan: Following the ambush murders of four American businessmen and their Pakistani driver on a street in Karachi this month, the State Department warned Americans against traveling to Pakistan. The murders followed the conviction in Virginia two days earlier of Mir Aimal Kasi, a Pakistani, on charges of gunning down two CIA employees outside the agency’s entrance in 1993. In Karachi, where about 2,400 Americans live, police posted extra security in the major foreigners’ hotels and at foreign missions.

Also this month, the State Department urged caution for all Americans abroad following the conviction in New York of Ramzi Ahmed Yousef for masterminding the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. In 1995, days after Pakistan extradited Yousef to the United States for trial, gunmen killed two employees of the U.S. Consulate in Karachi.

Philippines: Unspecified “world events” could lead to “the increased possibility of an attack against U.S. facilities in the Philippines,” according to the State Department. Americans are advised to pay particular attention to suspicious packages and unattended vehicles parked near U.S. facilities.

The vaguely worded announcement gave no further details. In its standing consular information sheet on the Philippines, the State Department says security is not a major concern at popular tourist sites, but notes a continuing general threat of terrorist action by extremists, both domestic and foreign. In addition, there have been attempted kidnappings for ransom aimed at U.S.-based companies.

Briefly . . .

Malaysia: The U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has received telephone threats against Americans in Malaysia. Without being able to assess the credibility of the threats, the embassy urges U.S. citizens in that country to “maintain a high level of security awareness.”. . . Mexico: Although a fragile cease-fire is in effect between the government and Zapatista rebels in the southeastern Chiapas region, the conflict continues to simmer. Earlier this month, unidentified gunmen attacked a convoy carrying a Roman Catholic bishop who had been involved in peace talks with the rebels, and three church workers were wounded. . . . Australia: Adding to Sydney’s pre-Olympics concerns, a firebomb was found aboard a passenger ferry. It was the fifth public transport bomb scare in less than a year in the city that will host the Summer Olympics in 2000. Three of the bombs exploded, causing damage but no injuries. . . . Russia: Kidnapping foreigners has become a cottage industry in the remote Chechnya region, according to a report by the Baltimore Sun. So far this year, an estimated $10 million in ransom has been paid to free journalists and aid workers taken hostage in the region, site of a 21-month war that ended last year.

Hot spots: The State Department has added Pakistan to its list of places considered dangerous for Americans. Others on the list: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Colombia, Congo (formerly Zaire), Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Montserrat, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Sudan.

The U.S. State Department offers recorded travel advisories at (202) 647-5225, fax (202) 647-3000. Internet address: https://travel.state.gov.