Burma Public Announcement
Issued by US Department of State
May 17, 2005
This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to security concerns in Burma. This Public Announcement regarding Burma expires on August 31, 2005.
In light of increasing incidents of bombings, and the possibility of additional attacks in the capital of Rangoon and other locations, the Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Burma exercise extreme caution in public places and be alert to their surroundings.
On May 7, 2005, three large bombs exploded simultaneously in Rangoon, at two crowded shopping areas frequented by foreigners and at a trade center, reportedly killing at least twenty people and wounding several hundred others. On April 26, 2005, an explosive device detonated at a busy market in Mandalay, reportedly killing at least two people. Both events were a significant departure in terms of targeting and level of sophistication from other bombings that have occurred in recent years.
For the last decade, sporadic anti-government insurgent activity has occurred in various locations, such as attacks in border areas that targeted a natural gas pipeline, a power station, and a crowded bus, as well as bombings in Rangoon that targeted family members of senior military officials. Several small devices exploded in downtown Rangoon in 2003, killing one, and similar events occurred in Rangoon in early 2004 and in early 2005 causing injuries and slight damage, respectively.
U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to consult the Consular Information Sheet for Burma, and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, located at http://travel.state.gov/. For further information, U.S. citizens may also contact the Department of State toll-free at 1-888-407-4747, or, if calling from overseas, 1-202-501-4444.
Americans living or traveling in Burma are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/. Americans without internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. The Embassy is located at 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon. The Consular Section telephone number is (95-1) 250-240, fax (95-1) 250-642, email consularrangoo@state.gov, website http://rangoon.usembassy.gov. The after-hours emergency number is (95-1) 370-965.
