SECURITY MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS

January 18, 2013

Tunisian Security Operations and Regional Security Incidents

U.S. Embassy, Tunis, Tunisia

On January 17, 2013, the Tunisian government announced that four persons had been arrested with a large cache of weapons, including rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, in Medenine in southeast Tunisia.  Earlier this week, terrorists attacked a natural gas facility in southern Algeria near the Libyan border approximately 150 miles south of Tunisia, kidnapping several foreigners, including U.S. citizens.  In addition, the French military is leading an international operation in Mali against terrorist groups in that country which may trigger violent attacks elsewhere in the region.

International terrorist organizations have on multiple occasions called for attacks in North Africa, including Tunisia. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, report suspicious activity to the local police, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.  The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens in Tunisia review the current Worldwide Caution, the Travel Warning and the updated Country Specific Information for Tunisia.

In addition, the Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," which includes valuable security information for those traveling or living in foreign countries.  You can also follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and on Facebook or download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes and the Android market, to have travel information at your fingertips.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside of the United States and Canada, on a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  

All U.S. citizens in Tunisia are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy in Tunis is located at Les Berges du Lac, 1053 Tunis.  For emergencies after business hours and on weekends and holidays, U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Embassy switchboard at 216-71-107-000.