U.S. issues ‘increased caution’ travel advisory to popular summer vacation spot due to terrorism

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Citing the likelihood of terrorism, the U.S. State Department has reissued an “increased caution” travel advisory to Tunisia.

“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, museums, resorts, hotels, festivals, nightclubs, restaurants, religious sites, markets/shopping malls, government facilities and security forces,” the State Department said in its announcement of the advisory. “A country-wide state of emergency, which grants security forces more authority to maintain civil order and enables the government to focus on combating terrorism, is in effect.”

The State Department reissued the Level 2: Increased Caution advisory as an update to inform the public about “high-risk areas” in Tunisia prone to terrorism, including:

• Within 10 miles of the Algerian border except for Tabarka and Ain Draham.
• Within 10 miles of the border with Libya.
• The Mount Chaambi National Park, Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma, and Mount Mghila in Kasserine governorate.
• The Mount Orbata area in the Gafsa governorate.

The warning is the second-lowest category of travel advisories, and Tunisia is on par with countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany and more.

Tunisia is a popular destination among North American travelers, with its capital city, Tunis, featuring impressive stretches of Mediterranean beaches. It is expecting 8.5 million tourists throughout the year, according to Travelmarketreport. com, and resorts such as Marriott and Club Med are opening resorts there.