Americans Warned of Possible Threat in Italy

In a vaguely worded public announcement, the State Department on March 27 alerted Americans of a “possible threat” from terrorists in the Italian cities of Venice, Florence, Milan and Verona. It urged travelers to “increase their security awareness and avoid large crowds.” The announcement expires April 25.

Other department announcements the same week urged caution in East Timor in Indonesia because of crime and security problems; northern Ghana because of ethnic clashes; and the Indian state of Gujarat and the Ayodhya area in Uttar Pradesh because of communal unrest.

The State Department has a new toll-free phone number, (888) 407-4747, for updates on travel advisories. The phone is answered 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, except U.S. holidays. The information is also available on the Internet at www.travel.state.gov and by fax at (202) 647-3000.