INDONESIA
The coordinated bombings at three popular tourist restaurants in Bali on Oct. 1 indicate that terrorist groups in Indonesia remain capable of carrying out devastating attacks and, like the July bombings in London, confirm how vulnerable the public is to such atrocities. Authorities warn that more attacks could take place and urge travelers to remain vigilant to their surroundings. On another security note, now that the Muslim holy month of Ramadan has begun, visitors should be aware that nightclubs that remain open could be subject to “sweeps” by local militants seeking to shut them down, and these sweeps can be confrontational.
MALAYSIA
Cases of dengue fever are more than 25 percent higher this year than last year, and officials are concerned that the disease could reach epidemic proportions. Areas hardest hit are the states of Selangor, Perak and Penang and the capital city, Kuala Lumpur.
MARTINIQUE
Martinique also has a dengue fever problem, with almost 1,000 cases a week being reported since mid-September.
MIDDLE EAST
Arab governments are on alert for potential terrorist threats during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a time that has seen a surge of attacks in recent years. Security across the region has been heightened.
MONGOLIA
The U.S. Embassy in Ulan Bator prohibits U.S. government personnel from flying domestically with Mongolia’s MIAT airline because of questions about its aircraft maintenance. The ban does not apply to MIAT’s international flights.
RUSSIA
The U.S. State Department has renewed its announcement citing a heightened potential for terrorist attacks in Russia and notes that this situation “is likely to continue for some time.”
———-
For the latest on world conditions, check the State Department’s automated service at 888-407-4747; fax 202-647-3000; travel.state.gov.
