U.S. citizens traveling or living in Abu Dhabi are being warned to keep their "awareness levels high" following Monday's stabbing death of an American teacher in a mall bathroom. The security message from the U.S. State Department's Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) built on an advisory from the agency released Wednesday, which reminded American citizens to follow standard safety guidance. "We suggest that all U.S. citizens be vigilant of their surroundings and events unfolding around them," the new warning said. The post also encouraged people to vary their routines and schedules.
The warning is in response to the fatal attack of kindergarten teacher Ibolya Ryan — and comes weeks after U.S. embassies in the Middle East warned its citizens of an anonymous posting on a jihadist website encouraging violence against teachers at American schools. The suspect in the killing, who was arrested Thursday, also planted a bomb at an American doctor's home, police said. Authorities in Abu Dhabi said the victims were targeted based on "nationality alone."
IN-DEPTH
- U.S. Teacher Ibolya Ryan Fatally Stabbed in Abu Dhabi Shopping Mall
- Woman Held in Abu Dhabi Killing of American Teacher Ibolya Ryan
- U.S. Teacher Ibolya Ryan's Family Reels After Abu Dhabi Killing