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U.S. WARNS OF SEXUAL ATTACKS IN JORDAN
AMMAN — The U.S. embassy has warned of the prospect of sexual
attacks on Americans in Jordan.
.
On Sept. 18, the embassy reported a sexual assault on an American woman
in Amman. The attack was said to have been conducted by a Jordanian taxi
driver in the western part of the Hashemite capital.
"Generally speaking, crime in Amman is considered to be low and violent
crimes against Americans are extremely rare," the U.S. embassy said.
"However, the embassy does receive occasional reports of sexual harassment,
indecent exposure, and unwanted touching of Western women in Jordan."
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[On Wednesday, the United States warned against violence in both Lebanon
and Syria. The Bush administration condemned a car bombing that killed an
anti-Syrian presidential candidate and seven other people in Beirut.]
The United States maintains a large embassy in Amman as well as a
military presence in the Hashemite kingdom. Since 2002, Americans have been
the target of Al Qaida attacks in Jordan.
The embassy said the sexual attack against the American woman took place
in the afternoon. A taxi driver drove the woman to an isolated location
"where he assaulted her."
"We are sharing this information with the American community in order to
improve security awareness," the embassy said. "Marked 'yellow cabs' are
generally considered to be safe, but some of these incidents, as in this
case, have involved taxis."
The statement recommended that Americans check the U.S. embassy website
for a list of radio taxis that vet their drivers. The embassy also urged
women to dress conservatively, travel with a companion and never sit in the
front seat of a taxi.
"Trust your instincts; if the situation doesn't seem right, get out of
the situation if possible," the embassy said. "Stay alert to your
surroundings; walk with confidence and purpose. Try not to travel alone,
especially at night or in areas that are unfamiliar to you."
