From AlertsUSA
State Dept. Warns of Dangerous Mexico Spring Break
March 10, 2018
On March 7th the following related Flash SMS messages
were sent to AlertsUSA subscriber mobile devices:
3/7 – US Embassy Mexico issues 2nd security alert of the day, this one re unspecified threat in resort city of Playa del Carmen (near Cozumel/Cancun). See email.
3/7 – US Embassy Mexico issues security alert highlighting best practices for staying safe during Spring Break in Mexico. See your email for the full alert.
What You Need To Know
Twice this week AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of security alerts issued by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. Beginning mid-afternoon on Wednesday, subscribers were informed of an embassy security alert providing a list of best practices for students and revelers to stay safe during during Spring Break in Mexico..
Hours later, a second security alert was issued warning of an unspecified threat in resort city of Playa del Carmen, an extremely popular Spring Break destination in the vicinity of both Cozumel and Cancun. As a result of the threat, the U.S. State Department is now prohibiting U.S. Government employees from traveling to the city and the U.S. Consular Agency in Playa del Carmen has been closed until further notice.
Readers are reminded that in 2016, the highly respected International Inst. for Strategic Studies annual Armed Conflict Survey rated Mexico as more deadly than Afghanistan, Somalia, or even Iraq. This is due to the expanding war between the Mexican government and drug cartels, as well as between the cartels themselves.
International Institute for Strategic Studies
Annual Armed Conflict Survey
Armed Conflict Survey 2017 Press Release (PDF)
Armed Conflict Survey 2017 Website
In 2017, Mexico’s homicide rate was even worse.
On February 21st, AlertsUSA subscribers were informed of an explosion on a passenger ferry dockside in Playa del Carmen. Subsequently revealed to have been caused by bomb, the Pumba y Tata and Los Zetas cartels claimed responsibility and have threatened more attacks.
On March 1st, AlertsUSA subscribers were also informed of the discovery of two explosive devices on still other ferries operating between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. In addition to the U.S. government prohibiting federal employees from traveling to Playa del Carmen, they are also prohibited from taking ferries operating along this route until further notice.
Parents of students traveling to Mexico for Spring break, as well as those adults who have plans to head south of the border for Spring vacation, would do well to consider an alternate location.
Do you think this recommendation is extreme? See the following:
Mexico: Where More Americans Are Murdered
Than In All Other Foreign Countries Combined
State Department security alerts, county assessments and other publicly available reports are intentionally written with a subdued, diplomatic style and prose so as to not officially insult a foreign nation. For those destinations popular for tourism, as is Mexico, you can be assured that the language used in public guidance is significantly influenced by pressure from U.S. and Mexican tourism industry stakeholders. As an example, following the release of an August, 2017 travel warning for Mexico, reservations by US guests decreased by 20 percent and led to the Mexican tourism minister to visit Washington DC to lobby for a softening of the warning and a reclassification of threat levels.
It is for this very reason that for many years, AlertsUSA has warned subscribers every week via our audio updates to check the destination travel guidance of other nations in addition to that of the State Department. The simple reality is that it is incumbent on international travelers to do their homework prior to booking a trip. Our world is growing more dangerous by the day. A little time spent diligently researching the security situation of your destination, as well as observing basic personal security practices, can make all the difference in whether you have an enjoyable trip or become a statistic.
Those traveling outside of the U.S., regardless of time or location, are strongly encouraged to obtain a quality rescue / medical evacuation insurance policy.
The only companies we recommend for consideration (because we use them ourselves) are as follows:
Global Rescue
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance
We also recommend staying well informed during your travels. If you are not already a member, consider a subscription to the AlertsUSA service. If your U.S. cellular phone is capable of operating abroad at your destination, our alert messages can reach you. All alert messages are also mirrored to your email, further extending your access.
AlertsUSA continues to monitor the domestic and international threat environment and will immediately notify service subscribers, via SMS messages, of new alerts, warnings and advisories or any developments which signal a change the overall threat picture for American citizens as events warrant.
OTHER SMS ALERTS FROM THIS WEEK
NOT DETAILED IN THIS NEWSLETTER ISSUE
3/9 – US Consulate Amsterdam, NL warns of anti-Islam march & demonstration on 3/11. Counter protests expected. Low profile urged. See email for add’l info.
3/9 – AlertsUSA monitoring reports from Napa Sheriff’s Office of active shooter situation, Yountville, CA CalVets home. Avoid area. Add’l alerts as warranted.
3/6 – Islamic State threatens new attacks in NY & London, mocks USMIL flwg release of video showing ambush of US soldiers in Niger, Oct, 2017. More via email.
3/4 – AlertsUSA monitoring emergency services response to large explosion in Harold Hill area of Romford, NE London (UK). Area on lock down.
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Attacks Foiled on US Embassy and Consulate in Turkey
March 10, 2018
On March 4th, the following related Flash SMS message
was sent to AlertsUSA subscriber mobile devices:
3/4 – US Embassy Ankara, Turkey closed beginning March 5 due to unspecified security threat. Urges avoiding embassy and large crowds. See email for more.
What You Need To Know
Last Sunday (the first day of our reporting week) AlertsUSA subscribers were informed of the closure of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara Turkey due to an unspecified security threat. The following day, using information supplied by U.S. intelligence services, Turkish authorities captured four Islamic State militants from Iraq plotting an attack on the facility. The arrests took place as the individuals were heading to the capital from northern city of Samsun.
Two days later, 13 other suspects were captured in the southern city of Adana, thwarting an Islamic State plot to attack the U.S. consulate.
Readers are reminded that while Turkey may be half a world away, hundreds of thousands of American citizens travel to the country each year for tourism and business. On January 12, 2018, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 3 Travel Alert urging American citizens to reconsider travel to the country as terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks. According to the State Department, terrorist organizations “explicitly target Western tourists and expatriates.”
Between 2011 and 2017, turkey was targeted 87 times by 9 different terror organizations. Among the most notable recent attacks:
On January 1, 2017, there was an attack on the Reina nightclub in Istanbulduring New Year’s Eve celebrations. 39 people were killed and 69 injured.
On December 10, 2016, a car bomb exploded near the Besiktas football stadium in Istanbul. 44 people were killed, and over 150 injured.
On June 28, 2016, Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul was attacked. More than 40 people were killed.
The relationship between Turkey and the U.S. has been progressively deteriorating over the last few years. In October, 2017, Turkey and the US both blocked tourist and business travel between the two NATO-allied countries following the arrest of a local employee of the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul. Visa services between the two countries were restored in mid December.
In January of this year, Turkish forces invaded Syria to take on U. S.-backed Kurdish forces in the northwestern part of the country. In mid February, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened American troops in Syria with an “Ottoman slap” if they don’t abandon a key group of local fighters.
Overall, the risk of direct confrontation between Turkish and U.S. forces is rising.
American citizens planning a visit to Turkey anytime soon are urged to give serious reconsideration to these travel plans.
AlertsUSA continues to monitor the domestic and international threat environment and will immediately notify service subscribers, via SMS messages, of new alerts, warnings and advisories or any developments which signal a change the overall threat picture for American citizens as events warrant.
Tough Questions for Islam
March 10, 2018
For the next several weeks Threat Journal will be featuring short videos by Dr. Bill Warner, a highly respected expert on political Islam. In 2006, he founded the Center for the Study of Political Islam (CSPI) to further the study of the politics of the ideology of Islam and its ramifications for Western Civilization.
Warner is the author of fifteen books, including the Amazon bestseller, Sharia Law for Non-Muslims, which is published in 20 languages. His Simple Koran is the first Koran that can be easily understood by integrating Mohammed’s life into the Koran verses. This method gives a context to the book which makes the meaning transparent. All of his books are concise and easy to understand.
Previous videos by Bill Warner appearing in Threat Journal include the following:
Islamic Reform Is Impossible (5:19)
Islam & Inbreeding (3:06)
Jihad vs Crusades (5:07)
World News Roundup
March 10, 2018
Other Developments We Are Following
AMERICAS
Terror Networks ‘Reach Deep Into Our Hemisphere’ in ‘New Ways’
Hypersonics ‘highest technical priority’ for Pentagon R&D head
Why Trump’s ‘trade war’ makes strategic sense
Trump pardons Navy sailor who used ‘Hillary Clinton defense’
Marine Commandant: ‘Less Than 30% qualified to join military
US general says efforts to combat Russian meddling aren’t going well
Air Force Pursues B-21 Design Review, Builds New “Generation” Stealth
F-35 Logistics System Faces Challenges
Navy taps Northrop Grumman for laser weapon system
US Navy canceling program to turn gas-guzzling destroyers into hybrids
The Army Needs to Buy Capability Today to Be Modern Tomorrow
USSOCOM Want a Super Vehicle They Can Disguise As Civilian Trucks
The Case for a 21st-Century Battleship
Sick Venezuelans flee to Colombia in mounting refugee crisis
USS McCain made a ‘sudden turn’ minutes before crash with tanker
Teen drawn to ISIS brought homemade bomb to Utah school
EUROPE
DoD: Russia Poised to Challenge US for Military Dominance
The Return of the Euro Crisis
Russian spy attack: military to help investigate poisoning of Sergei Skripal
Russian state TV warns ‘traitors’ not to settle in England
Top general says Balkans, not Baltics the most vulnerable to Russian influence
Is Putin’s Nuclear Boasting for Real?
Norway Says Russian Aircraft Ran Mock Attacks On A Secretive Radar Base
UK: Nerve agent attack on ex-spy was ‘brazen and reckless
The long, terrifying history of Russian dissidents being poisoned abroad
‘They are terrified’: Italy election result deepens refugees’ deportation fears
Belgium hands out millions of iodine pills in case of nuclear accident
MIDDLE EAST
DoD approves danger pay for Niger, Mali, Cameroon
Saudi Crown Prince: Turkey part of a ‘triangle of evil’ aw/ Iran and Islamists
Spike in African Terrorism Highlights the Importance of Jihadist Innovation
Civilian suffering worse than ever in 7-year Syria war: UN
Supreme leader: Iran won’t be told what to do in the Middle East
Saudi grants airspace approval for flights to Israel
Turkey sentences 25 journalists to jail for ‘coup links’
US still pouring weapons into Yemen war
U.S. and IDF troops, in major joint drill, simulating battle on 3 fronts
Israel, US troops train together to counter missile threats
Egyptian jamming of Sinai insurgents disrupts phones in Israel, Gaza
ASIA
US intel chief: North Korea is the ‘hardest intelligence collection target’
History in the making: US president to meet North Korean leader
U.S. seeks ‘concrete actions’ from North Korea before planned talks
US: Trump decision to meet Kim leader validates his approach
Tensions Between China and U.S. Run Deeper Than Just Trade
China dismay as Trump signs off steel, aluminum tariffs
More Russian Su-35 fighters rumored to join PLAAF
China Is Building a Spaceplane of Its Own
U.S. Hits Pakistani Taliban Training Camp in Eastern Afghanistan
General Says Beijing Needs to Arm South China Sea Islands
Homeland Security
Since 2015, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has used the National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin to highlight the continuing terror threat to the U.S. Homeland. The United States is engaged in a generational fight against terrorists who seek to attack the American people, our country, and our way of life. An informed, vigilant and engaged public remains one of our greatest assets to identify potential terrorists and prevent attacks.
CURRENTLY ACTIVE NTAS BULLETIN
PDF (1 pg, 186 KB)
Web Version
Travel Security
The U.S. Dept. of State Travel Website is the authoritative federal source for information on the security situation at travel destinations worldwide. With tensions rapidly increasing in most regions, readers planning international travel, even to such common destinations as Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands, are strongly encouraged to do a little research on the security situation at your destination well prior to departure.
Active USGOV Travel Notices
Active USGOV Travel Advisories
Other USGOV Travel Resources
Smart Traveler Enrollment Prog (STEP)
Travelers with Special Considerations
Faith-Based Travel Information
Information for Women Travelers
Driving and Road Safety Abroad
The Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides a variety of resources to enhance the safety and security of the U.S. private sector businesses and organizations operating abroad.
Mariners and U.S. citizens considering maritime travel should also review information at the websites of the National Geospatial Agency, the Maritime Security Communications with Industry Portal, and the U.S. Coast Guard for information related to maritime and port security globally.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is the authoritative federal source for information on current health issues related to specific destinations worldwide. These issues may arise from disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, natural disasters, or other conditions that may affect travelers’ health.
Foreign Sources of Travel Guidance
Australia Dept. of Foreign Affairs
UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.
Via: threatjournal
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