On eight occasions during the past week, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified via SMS messages to their mobile devices regarding significant safety and security developments around the world. Most important for this report:
Brussels "Allahu Akbar" Attack
On Monday afternoon, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of multiple deaths and injuries in a drive-by shooting in Brussels, Belgium. Amateur videos of the attack posted to social media show a man wearing an orange fluorescent vest pull up on a scooter, take out a large weapon, and open fire on three Swedish soccer fans exiting a taxi, killing two and injuring others. There are multiple reports of the attacker shouting "Allahu Akbar," which is Arabic for God is Great, during the attack.
In a video later posted on social media, a man identifying himself as the gunman claims to have been inspired by the Islamic State. The Tunisian asylum seeker, who was later killed by police, said he targeted Swedes as “revenge in the name of Muslims," possibly in reference to the multiple public Quran burnings over the summer that caused outrage across the Muslim world.
Also on Monday, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified that the Belgian National Security Council had raised the terror alert level in the Brussels Capital Region to 4, indicating a "very serious threat of attack." Belgian police are urging increased vigilance and the avoidance of crowds.
On Tuesday, the Islamic State's Amaq news agency formally claimed responsibility for the attack.
US Embassy France Urges Vigilance and Low Profile
Also on Tuesday, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of a security alert issued by the US Embassy in Paris urging vigilance and a low profile countrywide, and particularly in congested and popular tourist areas.
Readers are reminded that just last week, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of a mass stabbing attack at a high school in the northern French city of Arras. In this incident, a 20-year-old migrant from Chechnya was also shouting “Allahu Akbar” as he killed one person and injured at least three others.
Following the Brussels attack, the French government ordered the deployment of deployed 7000 heavily armed soldiers to the streets of major cities for added security and deterrence.
USGOV: Get Out of Lebanon
On Tuesday, AlertsUSA subscribers were also informed that the State Department had issued a Level 4 - "Do Not Travel" advisory urging U.S. citizens to avoid Lebanon due to the unpredictable security situation. The advisory was issued following an attack on the U.S. embassy during a local protest, as well as an increase in hostilities across the Lebanon/Israel border.
Two days later, the embassy issued a security alert urging any Americans in the country to depart as soon as possible.
New Worldwide Caution
On Thursday, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified that the US State Department had issued a new Worldwide Caution, warning of the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests globally. Given the increased tensions around the world, the State Department is urging U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution, particularly in locations frequented by tourists.
The warning also urges U.S. citizens traveling abroad to get registered with the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country you are in or are planning to visit.
U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
AlertsUSA continues to monitor the domestic and international threat environment around the clock and will immediately notify service subscribers, via SMS messages and email, of new alerts, warnings and advisories, or any developments which signal a change the overall threat picture for American citizens. |
