Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Worldwide Travel Alert
November 24, 2015
The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats. Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests.
Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis. Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services. In the past year, there have been multiple attacks in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey, and Mali. ISIL/Da’esh has claimed responsibility for the bombing of a Russian airliner in Egypt.
U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowded places. Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events. U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. Persons with specific safety concerns should contact local law enforcement authorities who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country. U.S. citizens should:
- Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.
- Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
- Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
- Foreign governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions. Authorities continue to conduct raids and disrupt terror plots. We continue to work closely with our allies on the threat from international terrorism. Information is routinely shared between the United States and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.
I know there are some here who ridicule me for my security mindedness. "It can't happen here, we are too small". "There is nothing here of interest to them". "How would they get here"? Well, allow me this folks, we are in fact a "soft target" because of our complacent attitudes and those who still proclaim us to be "Mayberry like".
I would suggest you look at nothing more than the Mall; two Schools within a mile or so of that Mall. They would if not already close by come over the bridge(s) many of you use to go to and from grandma's house. We have easily traveled Interstates that if allowing drug infiltration, can allow other bad people There are and I repeat millions and millions of "soft targets" in our Country. Are we a "most" likely target?. NO, absolutely not, but as noted if one sees something peculiar, report it, don't just look the other way. As noted by the head of the FBI, "We have ongoing investigations going on in all 50 States".
I do not wish to be a "worry wart", but have seen so much dirty rotten stuff done to people that I have learned to be so careful of what is going on around one.
And if the Islamic Terrorists are not bad enough in Syria and Iraq; now this from Turkey:
Russian military helicopters search for pilots of downed jet -Turkey's Dogan news agency
Reuters By Tulay Karadeniz one hour ago. (5:09 A.M. 11/24/ 2015)
Turkish fighter jets shot down the Russian-made jet near the Syrian border after repeatedly warning it over air space violations, Turkish officials said, but Moscow said it could prove the jet had not left Syrian air space. Damn Putin is a bad boy with too many toys.
REUTERS By Tulay Karadeniz and Maria Kiselyova 10:00 A.M. 11 /24/2015
And now the report that members of the Turkmen Brigade shot the two pilots as they descended in their parachutes. Mr. Putin is going to have a fit and the bombers/ missiles will be in the air for sure.
Am a little concerned on the moving up of so many "Black Friday" this's and that's? There have been rumors that this is not going to be a banner year for sales at the stores? It is being said a 3% increase year to year Nationwide? How much of that is due to changing when Black this and Internet that are starting? Here, people as so many of you well know are hurting and for some food on table with lights/ heat/ roof over head can outweigh hundreds and hundreds on just toys. Yes, the tykes need a little something but I know the good parents weigh all versus the some.
This PMC contribution for the Gold Star Memorial is sad in some respects? I am still adamantly against anything done for the purpose of making money on the heartache and sadness of people who have paid the ultimate price- their loved ones. And will not any time soon forget Mr. Rapp and Ms. Smith all aglow at the Tax Dollars the "Tourists" will bring here as they flock to see what would be a tremendous recognition if not for the dollar sign attached to it? Still suggest they be put at the Visitor Bureau stops at the gateways to the State. 'nuff said.