Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States, in wake of an Al Qaida attack, has
warned Americans against visiting Algeria.

The State Department has urged Americans to reconsider travel to Algeria
in wake of the attack by Al Qaida Organization of the Islamic Maghreb on the
Ein Amenas liquefied natural gas facility in mid-January. The department
also authorized the departure from Algiers for family members of American
diplomats and embassy staffers.

“The Department of State urges U.S. citizens who travel to Algeria to
evaluate carefully the risks posed to their personal safety,” the department said. “There is a high threat of terrorism and kidnappings in Algeria.”

In a statement on Jan. 19, the department said Americans could continue to be targets of AQIM, which killed several U.S. nationals at Ein Amenas. The statement warned that the State Department and U.S. embassy were limited in any response to an attack in Algeria.

“Al Qaida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb [AQIM] is active and
operates throughout Algeria,” the department said. “The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens avoid overland travel in Algeria.”

The department said U.S. embassy staffers in Algiers have been working
under “significant security restrictions.” The statement cited restrictions
on the movement of the staffers as well as consular services throughout the
North African state, including its capital.

“The government of Algeria requires U.S. embassy personnel to seek
permission to travel to the Casbah within Algiers or outside the province of
Algiers and to have a security escort,” the statement said. “Travel to the
military zone established around the Hassi Messaoud oil center requires
government of Algeria authorization. Travel by embassy personnel within
certain areas of the city requires coordination with the U.S. Embassy’s
Regional Security Office.”

The administration of President Barack Obama said AQIM was believed to
have been involved in the attack on Ein Amenas. Officials said AQIM’s role
was being examined by U.S. intelligence agencies.

“When it comes to terrorist attacks of this sort in North Africa, AQIM
has to be at the top of the list of suspects, I’ll put it that way,” Defense
Department spokesman George Little said. “AQIM does what terrorist groups
do — they plan and carry out attacks.”

  Al Qaida Organization in the Islamic Maghreb, Casbah, Ein Amenas, George Little, U.S. warns citizens against travel to Algeria