Israel and the Occupied Territories, October 29, 1999-- Because of periodic tensions and the ongoing potential for violent clashes in some areas of Bethlehem, especially in the vicinity of Rachel's Tomb and the town of Ramallah, American citizens should exercise greater caution when traveling to these areas. Visitors to Israel and The Occupied Terrorities should monitor local news media to learn about current conditions and to determine alternate routes leading to and from the tourist destinations in those areas. Americans should not drive through or remain in an area where a demonstration or disturbance appears to be taking place. Visitors are also advised to contact the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv or the Consulate General in Jerusalem for updates on the security situation.
Yemen, October 21, 1999-- The Department of State warns United States citizens to consider whether they should travel to Yemen in light of several incidents involving Americans and other foreigners. Sixteen Western tourists, including two Americans, were abducted in southern Yemen on December 28, 1998 by an anti-Western terrorist group. Four of the tourists died in a subsequent clash between the terrorists and Yemeni government forces. Several of the terrorists were captured. In a related case, six extremists were arrested by Yemeni authorities on December 23, 1998, and accused of planning to bomb Western targets in Yemen. Trials for both groups began in Yemen in late January 1999. On October 17, 1999, the leader of the group responsible for the kidnapping was executed. Following the execution, members of his organization warned Westerners that they would be attacked if they did not leave Yemen. As these incidents and threats indicate, the level of risk for foreigners in Yemen is very high.
More than 100 kidnappings have occurred throughout Yemen since 1991, mainly conducted by armed tribesmen with specific grievances against the Yemeni government. These kidnappings are normally resolved peacefully, but tribesmen have held some foreigners for extended periods.
Those Americans who have considered this warning, but nevertheless decide that travel to Yemen is essential, should exercise a very high level of caution. They should make security arrangements in advance with their sponsoring organization in Yemen, vary routes and times of daily commute, and travel between cities only by air or with an armed escort. Americans in Yemen should also ensure that they are registered with the American Embassy in Sanaa, and remain in contact with the Embassy for updated security information at telephone (967) (1) 238-843 through 852.
Maps courtesy of ITA's Quick Maps used with permission.
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