The US embassy in Qatar has notified the US-citizen community of a recent anonymous posting on an extremist website which encouraged attacks against American and other western teachers in the Middle East.
Based on the notification, American and British educational institutions in Doha have taken steps to improve security measures, it is learnt.
In a security message posted on its website, the US embassy said it “is unaware of any specific, credible threat against any American or western school or individuals in Qatar. The embassy works closely with the Government of Qatar to promote the security of US citizens.
“The (extremist) website specifically referenced Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and Maadi (Egypt) as examples of locations with high concentrations of potential targets. Nonetheless, all US citizens should remain vigilant regarding their personal security and alert to local security developments.”
The US embassy has urged US citizens to follow these personal security practices: “Avoid crowds or large gatherings when travelling in public; Know where you are going and have a plan of what to do in the event you encounter demonstrations or
violence.
“Identify safe areas (for example police stations, hospitals, government buildings) in your area and how to get to them quickly; tell co-workers or neighbours where you’re going and when you intend to return; minimise your profile while in public.
“Always carry a cell phone and make sure you have emergency numbers pre-programmed into your phone such as the US Embassy in Doha (+974-4496-6700) and the emergency number for the police, fire, and rescue – 999.
“Be prepared to postpone or cancel activities for personal safety concerns; report concerns you may have to the US embassy in Doha.”
US citizens travelling abroad should regularly monitor the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The US embassy has also encouraged US citizens to review the “Traveller’s Checklist,” which includes valuable security information for those both living and travelling abroad, and enrol with the Department of State or the US embassy through the State Department’s Smart Traveller
Enrolment Programme.
The US embassy can be followed on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. In addition to information on the Internet, travellers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the US and Canada, or outside the US and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8am to 8pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except US federal holidays).
