MIDDLE EAST
Afghanistan, January 19, 2000-- Travelers to Afghanistan and surrounding areas should be aware that an earthquake, measuring about 6.3 on the Richter scale, hit the Hindu Kush range on January 19, 2000. Be aware of the possibility of aftershocks in the region.
Tajikistan, February 4, 2000-- The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all travel to Tajikistan. Due to threats to Americans and American interests worldwide, instability in Tajikistan, and the limited ability to secure the safety of embassy personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe in their current facility, the Department of State suspended Embassy operations there and temporarily relocated all American diplomatic personnel to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in September 1998. Although the political climate has improved with the United Nations-brokered peace process between the Government of Tajikistan and the opposition and with 
the presidential elections in November 1999, the security situation remains unpredictable.
The "suspended operations" status of the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe has been lifted, with U.S. Embassy American personnel currently resident at the U.S. Embassy in Almaty, Kazakhstan traveling periodically to Tajikistan. Consular services for Tajikistan are handled through the U.S. Embassy in Almaty, and emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Tajikistan may be limited or unavailable. American citizens resident in Tajikistan are urged to consider their personal security and safety in view of this warning.
Israel and the Occupied Territories, February 13, 2000--
On Saturday, February 12, 2000, Israeli police and security officials announced a general terrorist threat advisory for all of Israel. The advisory urges the public to be on the alert for any suspicious packages or objects, and to report any unusual activities or observations to the police.
While there is no reason to believe there is a specific threat directed against Americans, the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Consulate General in Jerusalem urge all Americans to observe the Israeli advisory.
Maps courtesy of 4maps.com.
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