Khmer Rouge Threatens Tourists

Asia

Cambodia: A Texas woman and her Cambodian interpreter were killed and her husband was seriously wounded last week when Khmer Rouge guerrillas fired on their vehicle at the Angkor Wat temple complex, the Associated Press reported. The Americans were part of a four-van convoy of more than a dozen tourists and four policemen on an excursion to the famed archeological site 150 miles northwest of Phnom Penh, the capital. Citing “a weakened but still active Khmer Rouge insurgency,” the State Department has warned Americans of high levels of crime and banditry in Cambodia. Several foreigners have been killed, and the guerrillas have threatened to harm others. Cambodia’s own monarch recently urged tourists to stay away because of terrorism.

Russia

Because of heightened tension over the conflict in Chechnya, the U.S. State Department warns Americans of the possibility of terrorist acts in Moscow. While there apparently have been no specific anti-U.S. threats, Americans in the Russian capital are advised to avoid crowds and be cautious while traveling about the city. The State Department also notes that demonstrations, which carry the potential for violence, may occur near government buildings or in other public places with little notice. Obviously, travel to the Caucasus region of Russia during the fighting between Russian troops and Chechen nationalists is considered dangerous.

Latin America

Mexico: Truck hijackings are on the increase, according to reports gathered by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. A hijacking wave is centered on Mexico City with the bandits striking as the trucks leave factories or local distribution centers. One U.S. company reported 19 of its trucks hijacked during a one-month period. Truck drivers or plant employees are suspected, the embassy reports, and targeted trucks usually contain cargo that can be easily resold on the street, such as cosmetics, batteries or medicine. Although hijackings are unlikely to affect American tourists, those traveling by car are advised to be cautious.

Briefly . . .

Algeria: Citing heightened political conflict and a recent airline hijacking, the State Department says that “continued attacks against foreigners indicate that the level of risk in Algeria has increased.” The department underlines the risk of travel via commercial airliner or overland without adequate security arrangements.

Philippines: Business leaders fear that foreign investment might suffer because of a State Department advisory that travelers could face danger in the Philippines, Reuters reports. The advisory states that homicide, kidnaping, confidence games, pickpocketing and credit card fraud are common. An estimated 40 foreign nationals have been killed in the island nation over the past two years.

Thailand: Because of the recent arrests of several leading drug traffickers, the State Department has expressed concern about possible reprisals against Americans traveling in certain parts of northern Thailand. The areas of greatest concern are Mae Hong Son province and northern Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces.

Jamaica: The island’s murder total rose to 688 in 1994, an increase of 35 over the 1993 figure, Reuters reported. Tourism has suffered because of highly publicized crimes against visitors. The government has fought back by increasing patrols and reintroducing floggings and the death penalty.

Papua New Guinea: Americans have been targets in at least five incidents of armed robbery, burglary and break-ins in a three-month period, according to the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby. The victims ranged from Peace Corps personnel to diplomats, and there were no injuries.

Hot spots: State Department travel warnings are in effect for Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Burundi, Colombia, Guatemala, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Korea, Peru, Rwanda, Serbia and Montenegro, Somalia, Sudan and Tajikistan. The U.S. State Department offers recorded travel warnings and advisories at (202) 647-5225; the fax line is (202) 647-3000.