Belgium
An attacker in Liege threw grenades and fired shots Tuesday into the crowded Place Saint-Lambert, the main entry to the city shopping district, killing at least five and injuring more than 120 people. The attacker, Nordine Amrani, recently had been in prison on weapons and drug charges. He killed himself after the attack, the motivation for which was unknown at press time.
Mali
Security forces arrested four suspects, in connection with al-Qaida Organization in the Islamic Maghreb, who are accused of kidnapping two Frenchmen last month. The arrests came as Mali faces increased international pressure to do more to combat the organization, which claimed responsibility for these kidnappings as well as those of three other Westerners in separate incidents three days later. The suspects in custody are Malian nationals.
Nepal
Citing improved security conditions, the U.S. State Department canceled the travel warning for Nepal. As the political situation stabilizes, violence and threats against Americans have decreased. In 2006, years of communist insurgency ended but left in its place years of political instability. Recent agreements between political parties, however, have given hope that long-term stability can be reached.
Senegal
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert about unrest in Senegal before and after presidential elections, scheduled for Feb. 26. Last June, political demonstrations turned violent, and the State Department believes similar eruptions are possible. The U.S. Embassy in Dakar has requested that U.S. officials defer all nonessential travel to Senegal until March 2, when the travel alert expires. Americans planning to travel in this period should monitor local news to assess conditions, and Americans living there should ensure that all paperwork for family members is up to date.
Thailand
Three men were killed Dec. 11 after gunmen fired into a mosque in the tourist area of Ao Luek, Krabi. Witnesses believe the attack was a result of local politics. Officials denied there was any connection to the ongoing Muslim insurgency in southernmost provinces of Thailand. Krabi province, known for its tropical islands, beautiful beaches, dive sites and scenic cliffs, is a major tourist hub.
Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, travel.state.gov.
