March 17, 2008

Embassy of the United States of America 
Kuwait City, Kuwait


MEMORANDUM

To:                   All American Wardens

From:              Consular Section

Subject:          Warden Notice 2008 – 6

Please circulate the following message without additions or omissions immediately to all American citizens within your area of responsibility.

Begin text.

On March 6, 2008, Kuwait authorities found an improvised explosive device (IED) at the Al-Adaiiya Girls Primary School in Abdullah Al-Mubarak.  This device was left at the school accompanied by a note threatening the future use of other explosive devices in areas not described in the note.  The Embassy is working with the Kuwaiti authorities regarding the placement of this device and any follow-up actions that may be appropriate.

All Americans should maintain a heightened state of awareness during the next several weeks, due to the fact that an explosive device was found at a school and because of several recent bomb threats at popular locations in Kuwait.  Two of the affected areas were the Marina Mall and the American University of Kuwait.  To be clear, these have been threats only and no explosive devices were found.  Make sure to follow instructions if ordered to evacuate a building and make sure you know where exits are located in any building you visit.  

If anyone finds a suspicious package/item they should think about the following:

-         If you see a suspicious device – DO NOT TOUCH IT
-         Move as far as possible from the suspicious item immediately
-         Notify immediately the police and Embassy regarding any suspicious package or item

Make sure to brief your children and domestic staff on these procedures and sensitize them to report things that might seem suspicious.

It is also a good idea to carry a small flashlight in case the power is not working in a building that receives a bomb threat.

End Text.

American citizens with any questions or concerns may telephone the Embassy at 259-1581, 259-1583 or 259-1240.  In case of an emergency outside business hours, American citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer by calling 259-1001.

For the latest security information, Americans should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. 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.)

This message may be accessed on the Embassy website, http://kuwait.usembassy.gov
American citizens in Kuwait who would like to receive future Warden Messages from the Embassy directly by e-mail may sign up for this service by sending an e-mail to the following address: join-wardenmessagekuwait@mh.databack.com 

American citizens resident and visiting in Kuwait who are not registered with the Embassy, or whose registration information has changed, are urged to register as soon as possible.  They may now do so on-line at the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp  Please note that the Consular Section is closed for American and most local holidays.  The current list of holiday schedule for the year 2008, may be viewed via the link below:  http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html