The Nation Newspaper

Tag: U.S embassy

  • U.S shuts embassy in Libya

    The United States said it has temporarily shut its embassy in the Libyan capital Tripoli over security concerns.

    Embassy staff, including marine guards providing security to the embassy, have been evacuated to Tunisia “due to the ongoing violence resulting from clashes between Libyan militias,” it added.

    The state department has also urged US nationals not to go to Libya.

    The BBC reports that the move comes amid fierce clashes between rival militias in the capital, with recent fighting at Tripoli airport.

    Libya has been gripped by instability since the 2011 uprising, with swathes of the country controlled by militias.

    State department spokeswoman, Marie Harf, said the withdrawal “underscored President Barack Obama administration’s concern about the heightened risk to American diplomats abroad.”

    U.S ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans were killed in an attack on the U.S consulate in Benghazi in September 2012.

    The U.S embassy in Tripoli was already operating on limited staffing. All remaining personnel were driven overland to Tunisia in the early hours of Saturday, Ms Harf said.

    It is the second time in more than three years that the U.S has closed its embassy in Libya.

  • US warns of attack at Uganda’s airport

    The United States warned its citizens in Uganda on Thursday about a “specific threat” of attack on Entebbe International Airport, which is near the capital Kampala.

    A message on the U.S Embassy website  said information from Uganda’s police force indicated the attack could take place between 9pm and 11pm (1800 GMT and 2000 GMT), adding that citizens planning to travel at that time should consider reviewing their arrangements.

    A spokesman for Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority told Reuters the agency had issued an alert on Wednesday, but did not give details.

  • U.S. issues alert to citizens

    U.S. issues alert to citizens

    The United States Embassy in Abuja has asked American citizens to avoid crowded places and review their security plans.

    The embassy said in a statement: “The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria alerts U.S. citizens to a reported explosion in Abuja Nigerian authorities report that at least 71 people died in the blast and more than 150 were seriously injured.

    “No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion, which is believed to have been caused by a large vehicle, borne explosive device. No other details are yet available as Nigerian authorities continue to investigate the incident.

    “The U.S. Mission advises all U.S. citizens to be particularly vigilant around churches, mosques, and other places of worship; locations where large crowds may gather; hotels; markets; malls; and other areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

    “   “Security measures in Nigeria remain heightened due to threats posed by extremist groups, and U.S. citizens may encounter additional police and military checkpoints, additional security, and possible road blocks throughout the country.

    “   “Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates.

    “   “Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.”

  • U.S. Embassy holds basketball seminar with NBBF

    U.S. Embassy holds basketball seminar with NBBF

    • NBA stars Schrempf, Raymond to be on parade

    The Embassy of United States of America in Abuja will hold a six-day Basketball Clinic in conjunction with Nigeria Basketball Federation starting from Friday till Wednesday, September 25th, 2013.

    The Embassy is collaborating with the Basketball Federation, FCT Sports Council and Open Mic Society to host NBA’s Detlef Schrempf and WNBA’s Tamika Raymond on Sports United programs for youths.

    According to spokesperson for the programme, Sami Mohammed, the program will feature basketball clinics, open mic shows, a novelty match and a humanitarian gesture by Schrempf and Raymond.

    There would be a kick-off slated for the Old Parade Ground Basketball Court, on Saturday, September 21st, 2013 starting at 9am prompt while on same day between 10:00am to 1:00pm there would be First Basketball Clinic followed by the second basketball clinic scheduled for between 2.30pm and 5pm and the programme of the day would be rounded off by Open Mic show holding between 5pm and 6pm.

    Other programmes of event are: On Sunday, at 3:00pm there would be a Cultural show at basketball court, featuring traditional dancers and drummers while at 4:00pm: Welcome game with Abuja Professional Basketball Veterans will be decided.

    Humanitarian activity by U.S. Sports Detlef Schrempt and Tamika Raymond is also slated for between 1pm-3pm on Tuesday, September 24th, 2013.

    Detlef Schrempf is Germany’s most successful NBA player and a unique talent. In a pro-career that has spanned 14 seasons, the versatile 6-10 forward has won two NBA Awards, made three All-Star Game appearances, earned a spot on the All-NBA Third Team and helped the Seattle Supersonics reach the NBA Finals in 1995-96.

    Tamika Maria Raymond is a former professional basketball player for the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA.

    She was known as Tamika Williams before marrying former university of Minnesota Duluth basketball player Ben Ryamond in April 2007.

  • Suicide bomber attacks U.S embassy in Turkey

    Suicide bomber attacks U.S embassy in Turkey

    A suicide bomber has attacked the United States embassy in the Turkish capital Ankara, killing a guard, officials told the BBC.

    The blast, at a side entrance of the heavily guarded compound, sent debris flying into the street.

    The U.S has warned its citizens not to visit diplomatic missions in Turkey until further notice.

    No group has said it carried out the attack, but Interior Minister Muammer Guler said the bomber, who also died, was a far-left militant.

    Mr. Guler suggested that the bomber might have been a member of the outlawed Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C).

    He also said the attacker was believed to have been a Turkish national.

    Turkey and the U.S have denounced the incident as terrorism.

    White House spokesman Jay Carney said the U.S strongly condemned the “terrorist attack.”

    Ankara was last hit by a suicide bombing in September 2011, in an attack blamed on Kurdish militants.

    A number of illegal groups ranging from Kurdish separatists to leftist and Islamist militants have launched attacks in Turkey in recent years.