Supplemental Info:
Background:
The al-Qaeda terrorist network is calling on Muslims to launch retaliation attacks for recent desecrations of the Koran in Sweden and Denmark.
Several anti-Islamic protests involving the damaging and burning of the Koran in Sweden and Denmark have triggered demonstrations in numerous Muslim-majority countries. These protest actions have been carried out by a small group, motivated in part by Turkey blocking Sweden's entry into NATO, fall well within freedom of speech protections. Several of the burnings have taken place outside of the Turkish and Egyptian embassies in Stockholm and Copenhagen.
Protests in Iraq have been particularly strong. Last month the Iraqi government expelled the Swedish ambassador and demonstrators torched the Swedish embassy in Baghdad.
The UK Foreign Office is warning British travelers that terrorists are “very likely” to carry out an attack on Sweden in response to the burnings.
A security alert similar to that appearing below is expected later today from the U.S. Embassy in Denmark.
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Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Stockholm, Sweden
August 17, 2023
Location: Sweden
Event: The Swedish Security Police have raised the threat level from three to four, out of a possible five. The U.S. Government cautions its citizens of possible retaliatory attacks by terrorists in the wake of recent Quran burning incidents in Sweden. U.S. citizens are advised to use caution when going to public venues frequented by large numbers of people. Please use caution when in, and around, all diplomatic facilities. Report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.
Actions to Take:
Avoid crowds.
Keep a low profile.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Monitor local media for updates.
Refer to our website for the latest Alerts and Messages for U.S. citizens.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Stockholm, Sweden
+46 (0)8 783 5300
stkacsinfo@state.gov
Dag Hammarskjölds väg 31, 115 89 Stockholm
https://se.usembassy.gov/
State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Sweden Country Information
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View the Original:
https://se.usembassy.gov/security-alert-august-17-2023/
