ANCA surprised over security alert issued by US embassy in Armenia

YEREVAN, December 12 (ARKA) – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) expressed surprise over a security alert issued by the US Embassy in Armenia warning American citizens in Armenia to exercise vigilance and awareness of their surroundings as the holiday season approaches.

The ANCA recalls that according to the State Department Armenia is a low-crime country and one of the safest places on the planet for American travelers.

The Embassy says, in particular, that Armenia has traditionally experienced an increase in crimes of opportunity such as robberies, pick-pocketing, purse snatching, and residential break-ins during the holiday season.

‘During the holiday season, there are also ongoing threats posed by transnational terrorist organizations and individuals inspired by extremist ideology throughout Europe. Extremists continue to focus on tourist locations such as shopping malls, airports, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, transportation hubs, and other soft targets frequented by Westerners.’

“Even less obvious is why our Embassy would ask Americans in Armenia to be vigilant regarding “threats posed by transnational terrorist organizations and individuals,” which – by all accounts – have no history or presence in Armenia,’ the ANCA statement says.

Link: https://am.usembassy.gov/alert-12102018/

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Security Alert
U.S. Embassy Yerevan, Armenia
10 December 2018

Location: Armenia, countrywide

Event: As the holiday season approaches, the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan reminds U.S. citizens in Armenia to exercise vigilance and awareness of your surroundings. Armenia has traditionally experienced an increase in crimes of opportunity such as robberies, pick-pocketing, purse snatching, and residential break-ins during the holiday season. During the holiday season, there are also ongoing threats posed by transnational terrorist organizations and individuals inspired by extremist ideology throughout Europe. Extremists continue to focus on tourist locations such as shopping malls, airports, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, transportation hubs, and other soft targets frequented by Westerners.

Actions to Take:

– Exercise vigilance at holiday festivals and events, places of worship, and locations with large crowds.

– Review your personal security plans.

– Be aware of your surroundings.

– Monitor local media for updates