August 7, 2017

Somalia Travel Warning

U.S. citizens are being warned to avoid travel to Somalia because of widespread terrorist and criminal activity.  Militants associated with both the al-Qaida-affiliated terrorist group, al-Shabaab, and the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) operate with relative impunity throughout large parts of the country, including Mogadishu, and attack civilian, military, and government targets. U.S. citizens should be aware that kidnapping, bombings, murder, illegal roadblocks and other violent incidents are common throughout Somalia, including Somaliland. There is no U.S. embassy presence in Somalia.

There is a particular terrorist threat in places where large crowds gather and Westerners frequent, including airports and seaports, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas. Somali government, military, and Western convoys are also regularly targeted for attack. There have been numerous attacks on hotels, restaurants, and the international airport in Mogadishu.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) containing information on the U.S. prohibition against U.S. civil aviation operations in airspace over Somalia. U.S. citizens should also avoid sailing near the coast of Somalia due to the risk of pirate attacks. Merchant vessels, fishing boats, and recreational craft all risk seizure and detention by pirates in the waters off the Horn of Africa, especially in the international waters near Somalia.

If you should have any questions or concerns, or wish to request an update on a given situation in a foreign country do not hesitate to contact the following:

Rick Phillips                                                  Cody Cobb                                                                                                     (706) 886-9929 = direct                              (706) 225-2526 = direct                                                                                                        (706) 491-9888 = mobile                             (706) 491-5138 = mobile                                             rickphillips@jrphillips.com                          ccobb@jrphillips.com