WASHINGTON (AFP)
U.S. missions in the United Arab Emirates on Monday cautioned their citizens living there about the potential for attacks in the UAE and throughout the Middle East, as the summer season approaches.
Americans were reminded of "the general security situation" in the region before the "summer travel and holiday season, including plans for 4th of July celebrations around the UAE," according to a copy of an official U.S. message.
The embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai "wish to advise Americans that potential exists for terrorists to plan and carry out violent actions in the region, including the UAE," according to the message obtained by AFP.
"And for this reason Americans should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, particularly in public places," according to a copy of the message sent to AFP by a State Department official.
The message follows a warning Monday from the British embassy in the UAE which said "there is a high threat from terrorism. We believe terrorists may be planning to carry out attacks in the UAE."
A State Department spokesman, Gonzalo Gallegos, told reporters in Washington earlier that the U.S. government was aware of the travel warning to British citizens in the UAE and was preparing to update its own advice.
"We're monitoring the situation in-country in order to keep American citizen travelers (informed) of the most current safety and security information," Gallegos said.
The latest advice updates a worldwide U.S. caution given on January 17 about the continuing threat of "terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests throughout the world." |
