A serious U.S. State Department travel warning continues to warn U.S. citizens to avoid all possible travel to Somalia. U.S. citizens must understand there is no U.S. Embassy or other formal U.S. diplomatic presence in Somalia at this time, heightening the seriousness of the situation.
“Consequently, the U.S. government is not in a position to assist or effectively provide services to U.S. citizens in Somalia. In light of this and continuous security threats, the U.S. government recommends U.S. citizens avoid all travel to Somalia,” the warning reads.
According to the state department website, terrorist operatives and armed groups within Somalia have made it clear they plan to attack Somali authorities, the African Union Mission in Somalia and other non-military targets.
“Kidnapping, bombings, murder, illegal roadblocks, banditry, and other violent incidents and threats to U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals can occur in any region of Somalia. In addition, there is a particular threat to foreigners in places where large crowds gather and westerners frequent, including airports, government buildings, and shopping areas. Inter-clan and inter-factional fighting can flare up with little or no warning. This type of violence has resulted in the deaths of Somali nationals and the displacement of more than one million people,” the warning reports.
U.S. citizens also should not sail close to the coast of Somalia, as pirate attacks have become frequent. Merchant vessels, fishing boats and recreational craft all risk pirate attacks close to the Horn of Africa, the warning reads. In February 2011, Somali pirates killed four American citizens aboard their boat. “If transit around the Horn of Africa is necessary, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, maintain good communications contact at all times, and follow the guidance provided by the Maritime Security Center – Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA). You should consult the Maritime Administration’s Horn of Africa Piracy page for information on maritime advisories, self-protection measures, and naval forces in the region.”
The travel warning strongly advises all U.S. citizens in Somalia enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi is located on United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; telephone (254)(20) 363-6000; after-hours emergencies (254)(20) 363-6170. U.S. citizens traveling by sea in high threat areas are urged to inform MSC-HOA by emailing POSTMASTER@MSCHOA.ORG, with the subject line 'Yacht Vessel Movement.'
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