Anti-Terrorist Security Stepped Up
As Year 2000 Nears
[Online Poll - Will you cancel or change your plans
due to Y2K threats?]
Dateline: 12/22/99
Updated: 12/30/99
The United States has stepped up security at airports, border stations, federal buildings, and at home and diplomatic premises abroad. These actions come as a result of the arrest last week of an Algerian national who allegedly tried to smuggle bomb-making equipment into Washington state. In addition, the FBI Wednesday night, warned Americans of an "unsubstantiated" threat of mail bombs being sent to victims in the US from locations in Germany.
To summarize security actions taken so far:
- FBI warns Americans to be cautious of suspicious packages in the mail due to an "unsubstantiated" threat of mail bombs sent to the US from locations in Germany.
- The State Department has issued its second "Terrorist Threat Worldwide Caution" in the last 10 days.
- The United States has stepped up security at airports, border stations, federal buildings at home and diplomatic premises abroad.
- All 301 points of entry into the US have been placed on "high alert" according to the US Customs Department.
- US diplomatic premises have been placed on "heightened state of alert" by the State Department.
- Specific State Dept. travel warnings have been issued for Pakistan and Russia
- US and allied intelligence agencies are working together to identify and prevent acts of terrorism.
- The Clinton Administration has extended through mid-January its warning that guerrillas may be targeting Americans abroad.
- Seattle, WA has canceled it's New Years celebration.
- Some US Government web sites will be taken offline over the Y2K weekend to prevent hacker attacks (which ones?)
- The California Highway Patrol, for the first time in its 70-year history, has canceled leaves and vacations and will require all available officers to be on patrol over the New Years weekend. CHP's recommends - "Buckle up."
The Federal Aviation Administration has announced a "redoubling" of security measures. Travelers at US airports can expect to encounter more bomb-sniffing dogs, uniformed police and increased use of devices that screen for traces of explosives.
In spite of the threats and related security measures, the Clinton Administration advises that Americans living in the US remain vigilant, but not panic, or deviate from their holiday plans.
"If it were me, I would not ... refrain from activities. I'm going to go out and do my Christmas shopping," said President Clinton." I wouldn't just hunker down until it was all over." (12/22/99)
About.com Opinion Poll - Will you cancel or change your plans due to these threats?
Related Resources
Worldwide Caution - State Department
Complete text of warning that starts, "The U.S. Government believes that terrorists may be planning to conduct attacks including against official and non-official Americans, in and around the New Year period (from now through mid-January 2000)..."Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets - State Department
Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department decides, based on all relevant information, to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Countries where avoidance of travel is recommended will have Travel Warnings as well as Consular Information Sheets.Country-Specific Y2K Information
Current status of Y2K preparations and anticipated problems in other countries. State Department.
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