US issues warning to citizens in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of the United States has yet again issued a security warning in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, citing multiple sources projecting a possible attack in the country, which is struggling with security threats posed by Al-Shabaab.

In a statement, the US embassy in Mogadishu asked its personnel to be careful by taking personal responsibility for their security, while insisting that the militants could be planning a major attack this coming week.

"Due to ongoing security concerns, all movements of U.S. Embassy Mogadishu personnel have been restricted. The Embassy encourages U.S. citizens in Mogadishu to exercise elevated caution in the coming week," read the notification.

"The U.S. Department of State’s level-four (“do not travel”) advisory for Somalia reminds U.S. citizens that terrorist attacks can occur with little or no warning against targets like airports, government buildings, and hotels."

To survive the security threat, it further said, the citizens should avoid crowds, and notify friends and family of their safety. They should also be aware of their surroundings, the statement further read.

"The U.S. Embassy in Somalia reminds U.S. citizens that terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in Somalia. They may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting airports and seaports, checkpoints, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and other areas where large crowds gather and Westerners frequent, as well as government, military, and Western convoys."

Methods of attack include but are not limited to, car bombs, suicide bombers, individual attackers, and mortar fire. The Department of State has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory for Somalia and advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy, it further said.

"The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Somalia due to the lack of a permanent consular presence in Somalia," the embassy added.

GAROWE ONLINE