Sunday, October 21, 2012

Demonstrations in Kuwait – October 21, 2012


Subject:           Security Notice for U.S. Citizens 13-2012
Demonstrations in Kuwait – October 21, 2012

Please circulate the following message without additions or omissions immediately to all U.S.  Citizens within your area of responsibility.

According to press reports, there will be demonstrations in multiple locations and a march towards the Seif Palace dubbed “National Dignity March” this evening starting at approximately 1930 hours, Sunday, October 21, in downtown Kuwait City.  An increased police and security presence is expected in and around the capital.  The Ministry of Interior states the demonstrations and National Dignity March are unauthorized and that they will respond to participants according to the law.

Spontaneous and/or planned demonstrations take place in Kuwait from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  At times, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  Avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  Please stay current with media coverage of local and regional events. U.S. Mission personnel have been advised to continue to practice personal security awareness and we advise the U.S. citizen community to do the same.

The below Arabic language map, obtained from the internet, purports to indicate where the organizers intend to demonstrate and march.  The map has been translated to English.


U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website: https://step.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at their destination.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
Updated information on travel and security may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).   For further information, please consult the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the Worldwide Caution and Country Specific Information can be found.  In addition, the Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," which includes valuable security information for those traveling or living in foreign countries.  You can also follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and on Facebook

The U.S. Embassy is located at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Block 6, Plot 14, Bayan, Kuwait.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of emergency assistance in Kuwait, you may reach the U.S. Embassy by calling +965-2259-1001 and requesting the duty officer. 

This message may be accessed on the Embassy website, http://kuwait.usembassy.gov.
Please note that the Consular Section is closed for U.S. and most local holidays.  The current holiday schedule for 2012 is posted onhttp://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html.

This email is UNCLASSIFIED.

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