Bureau: Beware of Sinai
Photo: Chen Wax
Travel warning issued for Sinai
Anti-terror bureau posts list of areas to avoid during Passover, India not included despite Puna attack
The Counter-Terrorism Bureau published its list of travel warnings for the Passover holiday Sunday, and high on the list of areas the bureau advises against visiting is the Sinai peninsula.
"Hezbollah
is blaming Israel again and again for the death of Imad Mugniyah and
Iran is blaming Israel for the death of the nuclear scientist in Tehran. These accusations increase the threat of terror against Israelis abroad," the bureau stated.
Attack in India
Dozens hurt as bomb rips through restaurant popular with foreign tourists in Pune; explosive device placed in bag, police say. No Israeli casualties reported in blast
The bureau warns that terrorists may try to kidnap Israelis, especially businessmen in Arab or Muslim countries, or harm them in some way.
Israelis traveling abroad are therefore advised to be wary of any strange incidents, to avoid visiting Arab or Muslim countries included in the list, and to refuse gifts or tempting offers from strangers.
The bureau also advises Israelis to postpone or move meetings in remote locations, and not to allow strangers to enter their hotel rooms or homes abroad.
Among the areas the bureau advises against visiting are Cashmere in India, Mindanao Island in the Philippines, Sinai in Egypt, and Chechnya in Russia. A high level of threat was also said to exist in northern Nigeria, southern Thailand, and eastern Senegal.
But despite the terror attack that took place near the Chabad center in Puna, the bureau did not include India on its list. The travel warning that existed for the country was withdrawn in December.
Travel warnings are in effect for Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Somalia, and Yemen. In Colombia, Israelis working with the government are advised to conceal their identity, prefer air travel, and to drive only on main roads.
The bureau also warns against visiting Algiers, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Ivory Coast, Togo, and Mali. It advises against visiting Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Qatar, Morocco, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, and Chad. Libya, Oman, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tajikistan are also on the list.
