Warden Message-November 14, 2006

This Warden Message is being issued to warn of a string of violent attacks that have occurred in the southeastern micro districts of Bishkek over the past two days. 

On Saturday November 11, 2006 between 08:00 and 01:30 November 12, three people were killed and two wounded in micro districts 6, 7 and 12.  At this time a physical description of the perpetrator is not available.  Two of the victims were old men and three victims were women ranging in age from 17-40.  One person was discovered near the Orto-Say market.  Another individual was found in a small forest in micro district 7.  Three other individuals were found near apartment buildings in micro districts 6, 7 and 12.

The Embassy advises all individuals to increase their situational awareness when in these areas and review the following safety tips:

• Whenever possible, travel in pairs.  If you must go out at night, advise a family member or other contact of your itinerary.
  
• Avoid walking at night in parks, alleys, low traffic areas and areas that are not well lit - including apartment stairwells and hallways. 
  
• Always carry a charged cell phone.
  
• Keep your doors and windows locked.

U.S. citizens are urged to register and update their contact information through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/. The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek is located at 171 Prospect Mira, 720016 Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The phone number is 996-312-551-241 and may be used after hours. Fax: 996-312-551-264, and website: http://bishkek.usembassy.gov.

Updated information on travel and security in the Kyrgyz Republic may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens should consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for the Kyrgyz Republic at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_945.html and the Public Announcement for Central Asia at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2491.html, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement http://travel.state.gov/wwc1.html, and the travel publication "A Safe Trip Abroad" at http://travel.state.gov/asafetripabroad.html.