Note: The following text is an exact quote:
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http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2508.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Wed May 18 2005 03:34:54 GMT-0700.
Burma (Myanmar)
May 17, 2005
This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to security concerns in Burma. This Public Announcement regarding Burma expires on August 31, 2005.
In light of increasing incidents of bombings, and the possibility of additional attacks in the capital of Rangoon and other locations, the Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Burma exercise extreme caution in public places and be alert to their surroundings.
On May 7, 2005, three large bombs exploded simultaneously in Rangoon, at two crowded shopping areas frequented by foreigners and at a trade center, reportedly killing at least twenty people and wounding several hundred others. On April 26, 2005, an explosive device detonated at a busy market in Mandalay, reportedly killing at least two people. Both events were a significant departure in terms of targeting and level of sophistication from other bombings that have occurred in recent years.
For the last decade, sporadic anti-government insurgent activity has occurred in various locations, such as attacks in border areas that targeted a natural gas pipeline, a power station, and a crowded bus, as well as bombings in Rangoon that targeted family members of senior military officials. Several small devices exploded in downtown Rangoon in 2003, killing one, and similar events occurred in Rangoon in early 2004 and in early 2005 causing injuries and slight damage, respectively.
U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to consult the Consular Information Sheet for Burma, and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, located at http://travel.state.gov/. For further information, U.S. citizens may also contact the Department of State toll-free at 1-888-407-4747, or, if calling from overseas, 1-202-501-4444.
Americans living or traveling in Burma are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/. Americans without internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. The Embassy is located at 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon. The Consular Section telephone number is (95-1) 250-240, fax (95-1) 250-642, email consularrangoo@state.gov, website http://rangoon.usembassy.gov. The after-hours emergency number is (95-1) 370-965.
Note: The following text is an exact quote:
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http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1164.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Wed May 18 2005 03:38:03 GMT-0700.
Malaysia
May 17, 2005
Public Announcement updates and reiterates the Department of State's ongoing concern about the safety of American citizens, especially those contemplating travel along the east coast of the Malaysian state of Sabah and overland travel into southern Thailand. This supersedes the November 8, 2004 Public Announcement and expires on November 12, 2005.
There are indications of continued planning of kidnappings, including of foreigners, in eastern Sabah's coastal areas. Several kidnappings and piracy incidents have occurred in this area, most recently in March 2005. The terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), based in the southern Philippines, has been responsible for some of these incidents; other incidents have been attributed to unidentified criminals. Because of this, American citizens should exercise caution when visiting the coastal areas of eastern Sabah. While there has been increased security presence, there are extensive open waters between the Sabah mainland and Island. Emergency assistance may not always be available.
The United States Government has designated Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. JI is an extremist group linked to al-Qaeda and other regional terrorist groups, such as the ASG, and has cells operating throughout Southeast Asia. Extremist groups in the region have demonstrated the capability to carry out transnational attacks in locations where Westerners congregate. Terrorist groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.
Americans who travel overland from Malaysia to Thailand should be aware of the Department of State's safety and security advice for Thailand, which can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1040.html
Americans planning to travel to Malaysia are encouraged to register and update their contact information at https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens should consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Malaysia and the Department of State's most recent Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, both available at http://travel.state.gov. Americans planning to travel to eastern Sabah should also contact the U.S. Embassy before departure by telephone at (60-3) 2168-5000, or by e-mail at klconsular@state.gov. Up-to-date information on security conditions may be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and, from overseas, 202 501-4444.