Warden Message
July 2, 2009

Security Alert – Continued Threat of Terrorist Attacks

The U.S. Embassy is issuing this warden message to reemphasize to American citizens
living in or traveling to Ethiopia that the potential for terrorist attacks persists in Addis Ababa and throughout Ethiopia.  The Embassy continues to receive reports of credible terrorist threats emanating from extremist elements within Somalia which target Ethiopia and other surrounding countries.  Possible targets include western identifiable businesses, Government of Ethiopia installations and foreign diplomatic facilities.  Recent terrorist tactics in the region include the use of Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), suicide bombers and coordinated armed attacks on targets. 

Americans are strongly advised to review their personal safety and security posture, to remain vigilant and to be cautious when frequenting prominent public places, hotels, and landmarks.  Americans should also avoid gatherings in public places, and the use of public transportation and transportation hubs.  Please also beware of unattended baggage or packages left in any location, including in mini-buses and taxis.

American citizens are urged to review all the Department of State’s cautions about travel in Ethiopia, contained in the Country Specific Information for Ethiopia on the Department’s website at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1113.html.  The Embassy’s recent warden messages are available at http://ethiopia.usembassy.gov/service.html.

For the latest security information, American citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs internet website at http://travel.state.gov/ where the current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (Except U.S. Federal Holidays).

The U.S. Embassy is located at Entoto Avenue, P.O. Box 1014, in Addis Ababa; telephone: 251-11-124-2424; in the event of an emergency involving American citizens outside regular business hours, call: 251-11-124-2400; consular fax: 251-11-124-2435; web site: http://ethiopia.usembassy.gov/.