The Department of State reiterated its warning to U.S. citizens against all but essential travel to Somalia for the second time in a year, describing the situation in the country as “remaining dangerous.”| It's sad but necessary for us to remember that in a country of 315 million people there are enough of us who are 3 standard deviations from the mean of common sense who need to be warned not to travel to a war zone... |
The security situation in Somalia remains unstable and dangerous. Terrorist operatives and armed groups in Somalia continue to attack Somali authorities, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and other non-military targets. Kidnapping, bombings, murder, illegal roadblocks, banditry, and other violent incidents and threats to U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals can occur in any region of Somalia. In addition, there is a particular threat to foreigners in places where large crowds gather and Westerners frequent, including airports, government buildings, and shopping areas. Inter-clan and inter-factional fighting can flare up with little or no warning,’’ the department said on its website.
This replaces the Travel Warning of October 24, 2014 to emphasize the continuing threat of armed attacks, bombings and kidnappings in the Southern part of the country.
Last month, the US government reopened Somalia mission in neighbouring Kenya as part of its efforts to restore the diplomatic relations.