US issues travel warnings for Jordan, Egypt

State Department warns Americans of terror threats in Mideast countries after recent spate of attacks

By ToI Staff 24 December 2016, 5:23 am 1

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Egyptians shout slogans as they gather outside the the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo's Abbasiya neighbourhood after it was targeted by a bomb explosion on December 11, 2016, (AFP PHOTO / MOHAMED METEAB)

The US State Department issued travel advisories for Jordan and Egypt on Friday, warning Americans against visiting the Mideast countries, amid ongoing threats posed by terror groups and recent attacks in both countries.

“The Department of State reminds US citizens that terrorist and extremist organizations have expressed a desire to conduct attacks targeting US citizens and Westerners in Jordan,” the travel warning said.

In Egypt, the State Department said that “terrorist attacks can occur anywhere in the country,” while noting a number of terror attacks including a suicide bombing at a church earlier this month that killed 25 people. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State.

The terror group also claimed an attack at a popular tourist destination in the Jordanian city of Karak, in which seven policemen, two civilians and a Canadian tourist were killed.

Jordanian security forces are seen patroling on december 19, 2016 in Karak, a tourist destination, around 120 kilometres (70 miles) south of the capital Amman, following an attack a day earlier. (AFP PHOTO/KHALIL MAZRAAWI) — Jordanian security forces are seen patrolling on December 19, 2016 in Karak, a tourist destination, around 120 kilometres (70 miles) south of the capital Amman, following an attack a day earlier. (AFP/Khalil Mazraawi)

The shooting spree, home to one of the region’s biggest Crusader-era castles, also wounded 34 people, including a second Canadian. Jordanian authorities said four gunmen were shot dead by police during the course of a siege that lasted several hours.