Terrorism warning issued for Nairobi hotels

December 07, 2003|World Travel watch, Larry Habegger and James O'Reilly, Globe Correspondents

Kenya: On Dec. 2 the US State Department issued the following announcement: "The following information has not been corroborated, but, in the interest of time and public safety, the Department felt it prudent to provide the same information to the traveling public. Recently, the US Government received an anonymous warning detailing terrorist threats aimed at American and Western interests in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, specifically the Stanley Hotel and the Hilton Hotel. The timing of the threat is within the next several days."

Bolivia: The chaos of mid-October that forced the president's resignation has passed, mass demonstrations in the cities have stopped, and roadblocks in the Altiplano and Yungas Valley have been dismantled, but the political and social situation remains uncertain. Roadblocks could be constructed at any time and travel between Oruro and Lake Titicaca, and to the Yungas Valley east of La Paz, should be undertaken with caution. Campesino groups have attacked local travelers and foreigners in these areas, and roadblocks should be respected even if they appear to be unattended. In Santa Cruz, Bolivia's second-largest city, the 22-year-old daughter of a US consular official was killed recently in a carjacking attempt. The city is experiencing a marked increase in carjackings and daylight robberies.

India and Pakistan: The rapprochement between India and Pakistan seems to get stronger by the day, with recent news including an agreement to resume air links between the two countries Jan. 1, with Pakistan's president offering to remove all of his troops from Kashmir if India does the same, and a cease-fire now in place in that troubled region. Previously a bus link had been reestablished and ambassadors posted. Hopes have been dashed in the past, but for now the news is positive, and Kashmir's woes may be seeing the beginning of the end.

Namibia: The holiday season is a time of high crime here, mostly thefts from people carrying parcels to cars and break-ins of vehicles and homes. Keep doors locked and windows up when driving in Windhoek. Traffic accidents also increase dramatically at this time of year because of increased alcohol consumption and drivers from out of town.

Russia: Skinhead attacks on dark-skinned immigrants and foreign students has been a growing problem in Moscow in recent years. At least six foreign students at Moscow's People's Friendship University were injured in such an attack Nov. 29 at a bus stop near the school. The arrested suspects were all teenagers. Steer clear of neo-Nazis if you encounter them, especially if you are dark-skinned.

Editor's note: Because conditions can change overnight, always make your own inquiries before you leave home. From the United States, contact the State Department via phone (888-407-4747; 317-472-2328; 202-647-5225), fax (202-647-3000), or website (http://travel.state.gov); abroad, check in with the nearest US embassy or consulate.