Warden Messages

Landmine Hazards in southern Sudan

September 22, 2006

Embassy of the United States of America
Consular Section
Sharia Ali Abdul Latif
Khartoum, Sudan
Tel: 249-183-774701/2/3 outside Sudan
Tel: 0183-774-701/2/3 inside Sudan

Tel: 0183-774-705 inside Sudan (after hours emergencies)
e-mail: KhartoumConsular_DL@state.gov

The U.S. Embassy wishes to advise American citizens in Sudan of the hazards of travel on other than well-traveled streets, roads or footpaths in southern Sudan due to the presence of large numbers of landmines, un-exploded bombs, (UXB), and un-exploded ordinance (UXO), in the region. American citizens are urged to avoid any area in southern Sudan that has not been certified as cleared by a responsible de-mining authority.

Recently, a U.N. military officer was seriously injured by UXO in an area very close to a frequently-used public space.

The United States Embassy also reminds American citizens of continued terrorist threats to U.S. and Western interests. As noted in current and previous Travel Warnings for Sudan, the U.S. Government has received indications of terrorist threats aimed at American and Western interests in Sudan. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or kidnappings. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places, which include tourist sites and locations where Westerners are known to congregate, and commercial operations associated with U.S. or Western interests. As physical security remains high at official facilities, terrorists may turn towards softer targets, such as residential compounds.

Americans living or traveling in Sudan are encouraged to take prudent steps to ensure personal safety. Remain aware of your surroundings, maintain a low profile, carry personal identification, and avoid large crowds or demonstrations. Americans can register with the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov , to obtain updated information on travel and security within Sudan. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the Embassy by calling 0183-774-701/2/3 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Sunday through Thursday. Registration in person is not required.