Terrorist threats

Germany: Reichstag Dome Closed to Tourists

Date: November 23rd, 2010 |

A security alert prompted the German parliament to close to tourists the glass dome atop the Reichstag that offers a panoramic view of Berlin. The dome, a popular tourist attraction, was closed indefinitely as part of tightened security at airports and train stations in the face of credible intelligence that Islamist extremists were planning attacks [read more]

France: Eiffel Tower Evacuated Again after Bomb Threat

Date: September 29th, 2010 |

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For the second time in two weeks the Eiffel Tower was evacuated Sept. 28 after authorities received a phoned-in bomb threat. Tourists were allowed back in two hours later after officials found nothing suspicious. The threats came against the backdrop of reports of a “credible terror plot” targeting Europe, in particular France and Britain, that [read more]

Spain: ETA Calls Cease-fire, Political Parties Skeptical

Date: September 8th, 2010 |

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The Basque separatist group ETA declared a cease-fire Sept. 5, but the Basque regional government and others were skeptical that the announcement would mean the end of the group’s violence. Other cease-fires have come and gone, but this one may be different because ETA’s political allies have called for the group to renounce violence, allow [read more]

Turkey: PKK Threatens to Attack Tourist Areas

Date: July 28th, 2010 |

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The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) threatened to attack urban and tourist areas in western Turkey in retaliation for the Turkish military’s campaign against it in northern Iraq. The separatist group has conducted terrorist attacks on tourist sites in the past, including bombings in Marmaris in 2006 and a suicide bombing on a popular shopping street [read more]

Uganda: Suicide Attacks May Have Been Linked to Somalia Peacekeeping Mission

Date: July 14th, 2010 |

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Dual suicide attacks in Kampala July 11 killed at least 70 people at two venues where World Cup fans were gathered. The incidents serve as a reminder to know as much as possible about the politics and foreign policy of countries you visit. An Islamic militant group based in Somalia and believed to be affiliated [read more]

Europe: U.S. State Department Travel Alert to Raise Awareness, Not Fear

Date: October 6th, 2010 |

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The U.S. State Department’s travel alert about terrorist threats in Europe should serve to raise travelers’ awareness about potential problems rather than suggest they abandon plans to visit. As the alert says, European governments have taken steps to prevent attacks and spoken publicly about the heightened threats. Travelers need to know that targets could be [read more]

France: Security Increased Around Country

Date: September 22nd, 2010 |

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In the wake of a bomb scare at the Eiffel Tower that prompted the evacuation of 2,000 people Sept. 14, authorities have increased visible patrols around national landmarks. French and North African intelligence sources alerted officials to a possible threat to the transport system by a female suicide bomber, and authorities raised the security threat [read more]

Indonesia: Arrests Could Lead to Demonstrations

Date: August 10th, 2010 |

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The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta advised Americans to be aware of possible demonstrations following the arrest by Indonesian authorities of militant cleric Abubakar Ba’asyir—who was jailed for two years for his links to the deadly Bali bombing in 2002—and five others believed to be planning a major terrorist attack, possibly on Aug. 17, the country’s [read more]

Guatemala: Extortion Gangs Continue Attacks on Bus Drivers

Date: July 21st, 2010 |

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Gangs running extortion rackets against Guatemala City bus drivers continued their murderous enforcement with three recent attacks that killed four people. In one, two passengers died and 15 were injured when the assailants tossed a grenade inside the bus and it ignited a fire. The bus was on its regular route between Guatemala City and [read more]

Thailand: Government Extends State of Emergency

Date: July 7th, 2010 |

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The government extended a state of emergency for three months in 19 provinces, including Bangkok, stating that political groups were still trying to eliminate the government and terrorist threats exist in many areas. Critics called the move politically motivated and a crackdown on dissent. Tourism industry leaders had hoped to see the emergency law rescinded [read more]

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