U.S. State Department warns against travel to Algeria

Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States has warned against visiting Algeria.

The State Department said Americans face the prospect of abduction or bombings in Algeria. In its latest travel advisory, the department warned Americans against visiting the North African state.

algeria-map“There is a high threat of terrorism and kidnappings in Algeria,” the advisory said.

Dated Aug. 13, the advisory cited operations by Al Qaida Organization in the Islamic Maghreb as well as the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa. The State Department said these two groups were capable of bombings, abductions and ambushes, particularly east and south of the Algerian capital, Algiers.

“Although the major cities are heavily policed, attacks could still potentially take place,” the State Department said. “Visitors to Algeria are advised to stay only in hotels where adequate security is provided.”

The State Department has not disclosed an estimate of the U.S. presence in Algeria. The department oversees an embassy in Algiers, staffers of which are restricted from most travel.

“The U.S. government considers the potential threat to U.S. embassy personnel assigned to Algiers sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under significant security restrictions,” the advisory said. “These practices limit, and may occasionally prevent, the movement of U.S. embassy officials and the provision of consular services in certain areas of the country.”

Officials said U.S. embassy personnel cannot travel outside of Algiers without a security escort. They said parts of the capital require coordination with the embassy’s Regional Security Office.

“Travel to the military zone established around the Hassi Messaoud oil center requires government of Algeria authorization,” the advisory said.

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