Security Message for U.S. Citizens
U.S. Embassy Manama
October 10, 2016
SECURITY MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS
The day of Ashura is a major religious commemoration of the martyrdom at Karbala of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
As part of the Ashura religious observations, large processions will take place throughout Bahrain, and specifically in central Manama, major roads will be closed. Many Bahrainis observe this religious commemoration by participating in prayer sessions in local gatherings and large processions in the downtown souk area. These activities are associated with mourning, remembrance and atonement and have been traditionally characterized by peaceful devotion and penance. People who may be in the area of these processions should be aware and respectful of religious and cultural sensitivities.
As a precautionary measure, we recommend that you maintain a heightened sense of awareness in areas where large crowds gather during this period. People in such areas should ensure they have adequate means of communication and a travel plan to depart the venue in the case of unforeseen emergencies.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution,
Worldwide Travel Alert, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Bahrain
Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages
and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Manama, located at Bldg 979, Road 3119, Block 331,
Zinj, at (973) 1724-2700. The afterhours emergency number for U.S. citizens is
(973) 1724-2957, and the fax number is (973) 1725-6242.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444
from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday
through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
