United States – Americans abroad at ‘high risk’ of ISIS kidnappings, terrorist attacks, U.S. warns,” by Meg Wagner, New York Daily News, 11 Oct 14: U.S. citizens are prime targets for terrorists’ kidnappings, the government warned. The U.S. State Department urged Americans to be on high alert when they’re travelling abroad, fearing ISIS and other extremist groups have “increased attempts to finance their operations through kidnapping for ransom.” “Terrorist groups have stepped up their rhetoric calling for additional attacks or kidnapping attempts on westerners,” the department said in a Friday statement. The most vulnerable international travellers are those who belong to governments with a history of paying ransoms to terrorist groups, the State Department explained. Some Western countries — such as France and Germany — have paid millions to have their hostages freed. ISIS and other terrorists groups are especially vengeful against the U.S. and its citizens for the government’s aggressive airstrike campaign against fighters in Syria and Iraq. It’s not clear how many Americans ISIS is holding hostage. Extremists are especially likely to target overseas areas where large numbers of travellers gather. Kidnappings and attacks might take place at sporting events, in hotels and other tourist destinations, the State Department said. While terrorists groups exist across the world, the Middle East remains the most dangerous area, the government warned. 361 COMMENT: The same can be said for all those countries that are supporting or providing military assistance to the coalition against the Islamic State. All foreigners need to have a review of their security, personnel or business. COMMENT ENDS
United States/Ethiopia – The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa issued an alert advising U.S. citizens in Addis Ababa of a potential terrorist attack by the Somali based militant group Al-Shabaab. The alert advised U.S. citizens "to avoid large crowds and places where both Ethiopians and westerners frequent." The report was received on the 15 Oct 14. The Embassy says it has "received threat reports of al-Shabaab's intent to target the Bole area. It subsequently advised U.S citizens to avoid "restaurants, hotels, bars, places of worship, supermarkets, and shopping malls in the Bole Area" until further notice. It says such places were possible targets for a "potential imminent terrorist attack". However, it the alert says there was no known location so far, but said "U.S. citizens should continue to maintain heightened personal security awareness." A large part of Bole area is the heart of financial activities for the capital Addis Ababa and is home to several international organizations and foreign residents of the city. It also include the Bole International Airport one of Africa's busiest airports.
United States/Ethiopia – The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa issued an alert advising U.S. citizens in Addis Ababa of a potential terrorist attack by the Somali based militant group Al-Shabaab. The alert advised U.S. citizens "to avoid large crowds and places where both Ethiopians and westerners frequent." The report was received on the 15 Oct 14. The Embassy says it has "received threat reports of al-Shabaab's intent to target the Bole area. It subsequently advised U.S citizens to avoid "restaurants, hotels, bars, places of worship, supermarkets, and shopping malls in the Bole Area" until further notice. It says such places were possible targets for a "potential imminent terrorist attack". However, it the alert says there was no known location so far, but said "U.S. citizens should continue to maintain heightened personal security awareness." A large part of Bole area is the heart of financial activities for the capital Addis Ababa and is home to several international organizations and foreign residents of the city. It also include the Bole International Airport one of Africa's busiest airports.
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