the bureau of diplomatic security (ds)...diplomatic security’s ability to detect and counter...

2014

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATEBUREAU OF DIPLOMATIC SECURITY

To advance American interests and U.S. foreign policy,

DS protects people, property, and information at more

than 280 State Department posts worldwide. As a

leader in international investigations, threat analysis,

cyber security, counterterrorism, dignitary protection,

and security technology, DS is the most widely

represented U.S. security and law enforcement

organization in the world. Political Violence Against

Americans is produced by the Bureau’s Directorate of

Threat Investigations and Analysis to provide a

comprehensive picture of the spectrum of politically

motivated threats and violence that American citizens

and interests encounter worldwide on an annual basis.

Created in May 2008, the Directorate of Threat

Investigations and Analysis strives to improve

Diplomatic Security’s ability to detect and counter

threats, and to upgrade the Bureau’s capacity to rapidly

disseminate threat and security information to U.S.

embassies, consulates, and the private sector.

THE BUREAU OF DIPLOMATIC

SECURITY (DS) IS THE LAW

ENFORCEMENT AND SECURITY

ARM OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT

OF STATE, PROVIDING A SECURE

ENVIRONMENT FOR THE CONDUCT

OF AMERICAN DIPLOMACY.

On the cover: Afghan security forces secure the scene of a

vehicle suicide bombing in eastern Kabul that claimed the lives

of two U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) contractors and

seven Afghan civilians. Two DOD contractors were wounded in

the February 10, 2014 attack. (AP/Wide World Photos)

2 Introduction

2 A Special Note Regarding Conflict Zones

3 A Statistical Overview of 2014

4 Americans in Captivity

6 Near East

12 South and Central Asia

16 Europe

20 Sub-Saharan Africa

22 Western Hemisphere

24 Conclusion

directorate of threat investigations and analysis

2

A Special Note Regarding

Conflict Zones

Introduction

As in previous editions of Political Violence Against Americans, this report includes

incidents of violence involving U.S. citizens and facilities with the exception of incidents

against American military personnel serving in combat positions.

Additionally, instances of rocket and mortar attacks against U.S. diplomatic facilities are

included only when they resulted in casualties or property damage. Active conflict zones

involve special circumstances. Given the complex security context within these countries,

it is understandably difficult to obtain detailed, reliable information on every single

incident involving citizens of the United States. Moreover, it is often virtually impossible

to distinguish acts of targeted political violence and terrorism from general conflict-zone

hazards. The criteria established above provide a certain practical, albeit imperfect,

standard for determining those assaults most relevant to this report. Some incidents may

have been omitted due to their sensitive nature, as have the names of American citizens

for privacy purposes.

Since its inception in 1987, the goal of Political Violence Against Americans has been to

document terrorist activity and political violence, including protests, directed against

American citizens and U.S. Government personnel and interests overseas on an annual

basis. This includes (whenever possible) the goals and ideology of those responsible.

The goal of this publication is to provide the reader with a better understanding and

awareness of the many threats that U.S. citizens and diplomatic personnel face abroad.


2

political violence against americans 2014

3

A Stati�icalOverview of 2014

63 Total Incidents in 20140

30Of the 63 incidents that involved U.S. citizens and interests, 35 are believed to have resulted from intentional targeting of Americans. The 28 incidents where Americans or American interests apparently were not targeted due to nationality are indicated with an asterisk (“*”) within the text.

23

3

16

6

15

Near East

Sub-Saharan Africa

South and Central AsiaEurope

Western Hemisphere

WESTERN HEMISPHERE: 3 ANTI-AMERICAN INCIDENTS

Targets Types

1 Bomb2 Violent demonstration

3 U.S. Government

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: 6 ANTI-AMERICAN INCIDENTS

Targets Types

2 Armed attack2 Assassination1 Assault1 Violent demonstration

2 U.S. Government

2 Private

2 Other

Types

2 Abduction3 Armed attack1 Attempted assassination3 Murder1 Other1 Release from captivity

1 Rocket7 Small Arms Fire1 Stabbing2 Vehicle assault1 Violent demonstration

NEAR EAST: 23 ANTI-AMERICAN INCIDENTS

Targets

7 Private

6 U.S. Business

9 U.S. Government

1 U.S. Military

SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA: 16 ANTI-AMERICAN INCIDENTS

Targets Types

8 Armed attack1 Insider attack1 Rocket

2 Suicide 3 SVBIED +1 Violent demonstration

+ “Suicide-vehicle borne improvised explosive device”

2 U.S. Business

3 U.S. Government

1 U.S. Military

10 Private

EUROPE: 15 ANTI-AMERICAN INCIDENTS

Targets Types

2 Assault3 Detained1 Missile3 Vandalism6 Violent demonstration

1 U.S. Military

2 U.S. Business

10 U.S. Government

2 Other


4 directorate of threat investigations and analysis

4

August 13, 2011 – Lahore, Pakistan

A U.S. citizen working for a U.S. Agency for International Development-affiliated non-governmental organization was kidnapped. Al-Qa’ida claimed responsibility. The victim remained in captivity at the end of 2014.

August 13, 2012 – Syria

A U.S. freelance journalist was reported kidnapped. The victim remained missing at the end of 2014.

October 2012 – Syria

A U.S. journalist was kidnapped. On August 24, 2014, he was freed after being held in captivity by armed groups, including the Syrian-based terrorist group al-Nusrah Front. He was handed over to UN peacekeepers in the Golan Heights.

October 8, 2012 – Afghanistan

A U.S. citizen and her Canadian husband were kidnapped in Kabul; both were believed to be held by the Taliban in North Waziristan, Pakistan at the end of 2014.

November 22, 2012 – Idlib Province, Northwest Syria

A U.S. freelance journalist was kidnapped. On August 19, 2014, the terrorist organization Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (hereafter, referred to as ISIL) posted a video to the Internet showing his murder.


A U.S. citizen working for a nongovernmental organization was kidnapped in Syria. She was believed to be held in Syria at the end of 2014.

Americans in Captivity


5political violence against americans 2014

5


A U.S. freelance journalist was kidnapped. On September 2, 2014, the terrorist organization ISIL posted a video to the Internet showing his murder.

October 1, 2013 – Syria

A U.S. aid worker was kidnapped. On November 16, 2014, the terrorist organization ISIL posted a video to the Internet confirming his murder.

April 21, 2014 – Slovyansk, Ukraine

A U.S. journalist was held against his will for several days by pro-Russian separatists before being released unharmed.

April 29, 2014 – Donetsk, Ukraine

Two American citizens working for a non-governmental organization were detained and held for ten days by pro-Russian separatists. While the U.S. citizens were not physically harmed, they were interrogated, isolated, and moved to various locations during their captivity.

May 2, 2014 – Slovyansk, Ukraine

Several foreign reporters, including two U.S. journalists, were held against their will by pro-Russian separatists for several hours before being released unharmed.

May 2014 – Khost Province, Afghanistan

A U.S. journalist went missing. He was believed to be held by the Haqqani Network terrorist organization in North Waziristan, Pakistan at the end of 2014.

June 12, 2014 – West Bank

An Israeli-American dual-national citizen was abducted with two Israelis while hitchhiking near Hebron. On June 30, the bodies of the three teenage boys were found in a village just north of Hebron.


6

* Incidents where Americans or American interests apparently were not targeted due to nationality are indicated with asterisks.

nearea�

1 Bahrain

1 Egypt

5 Iraq

4 Jerusalem

2 Libya

4 Syria

1 UAE

3 Yemen

1 West Bank

1 Saudi Arabia

Countries with Anti-American incidents

*February 23 Manama, Bahrain

Anti-government protesters throwing Molotov cocktails struck the personally owned vehicle of two U.S. Department of Defense personnel traveling on Isa Al Kabeer Avenue. They managed to drive out of the attack zone. At the time of the attack, a Ministry of Interior (MOI) police vehicle was traveling alongside the DOD personnel. It is believed the MOI vehicle was the intended target, as it sustained extensive damage. The Americans’ vehicle sustained minor damage, but neither individual was hurt.


7

February 25 Tripoli, Libya

In the early morning hours, a U.S. Embassy vehicle

returned to the mission compound. Embassy

security personnel noticed what appeared to be

two bullet impacts on the right rear window. The

personnel stated they had not heard any sounds of

rounds hitting the vehicle. No one was hurt in the

incident, and there is no direct evidence that the

vehicle was targeted because of its affiliation with

the Embassy.

*April 28 Baghdad, Iraq

Multiple 7.62-caliber rounds struck the U.S.

Embassy compound’s helicopter pad and

containers at a storage compound immediately

adjacent to the tarmac. No one was injured, and

damage was minimal.

*May 20 Sana’a, Yemen

A firefight erupted between local Yemeni tribesmen

and host-government security forces regarding

an ongoing land dispute. During the exchange

of gunfire, a stray round impacted a U.S. Marine

Security Force rooftop observation post at the

Diplomatic Transit Facility-Sana’a (a secured

residential facility for U.S. diplomats). The round

struck ballistic-resistant glass on the side of the

observation post, causing minor damage. No

Embassy personnel were injured. Less than an hour

later, the gunfire had subsided.

*June 12 West Bank

An Israeli-American dual-national citizen was

abducted with two Israelis while hitchhiking

near Hebron. On June 30, the bodies of the three

teenage boys were found in a village just north

of Hebron. Israeli Defense Forces subsequently

shot and killed two Palestinian suspects during

an attempt to apprehend them. An Israeli military

court sentenced a third Palestinian with ties to

Hamas to 75 years in prison for planning the attack.

*July 3 Baghdad, Iraq

Small-arms fire impacted on and near the Embassy

Baghdad compound. No one was injured, and

property damage was minimal.

*July 20 Tripoli, Libya

The U.S. Embassy Annex compound received

small-arms fire and one round of indirect fire.

No one was injured, and minimal damage was

reported. It is believed the Annex was not

specifically targeted, but rather the incident was

the result of continued fighting between opposing

militia groups.

August 6 Western Desert, Egypt

Gunman abducted and murdered a U.S. citizen

working for a U.S.-based energy exploration and

production company. The terrorist group Ansar

Bayt al-Maqdis claimed responsibility for the

attack.


8

August 19 Syria

Militants from the terrorist group ISIL posted a video

to the Internet showing the murder of an American

journalist. The journalist had been kidnapped on

November 22, 2012, in northwest Syria.

*August 24 Syria

An American journalist abducted in October

2012 was freed after being held in captivity by

armed groups, including the Syrian-based terrorist

organization Al Nusrah Front. He was handed over to

UN peacekeepers in the Golan Heights.

*August 31 Baghdad, Iraq

A U.S. soldier on the U.S. Embassy compound was

slightly injured when an unknown projectile grazed

his left arm.

September 2 Syria

Militants from the terrorist group ISIL posted a video

to the Internet showing the murder of an American

journalist. The journalist had been kidnapped in

August 2013.

*September 2 Baghdad, Iraq

As two U.S. civilian contractors were walking

on the U.S. Embassy compound, a high-speed

projectile believed to be small arms fire struck the

ground behind them. No one was injured, and no

property was damaged.

October 14 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

A lone gunman opened fire on three U.S. citizens

at a gas station a half-mile from their residential

compound. The Americans were employed by an

American military contractor supporting Saudi

National Guard modernization efforts in Riyadh.

One American was killed and another wounded in

the shooting. The alleged gunman was shot and

wounded by police and is in custody. The subject

expressed hatred for the U.S. military, appeared to

have been inspired by various jihadi websites, and

specifically targeted Americans he believed to be

former U.S. military service members.

October 21 Baghdad, Iraq

Three 107 mm rockets were fired in the direction

of the U.S. Embassy. One rocket impacted a wall

of the Embassy compound. Two other rockets flew

over the compound. There were no injuries and

only minor damage to the Embassy wall.


9

*October 22 Jerusalem

A Palestinian man drove his car into a crowd of

people disembarking from a train at a Jerusalem

light rail station. A three-month-old U.S. citizen

residing in Jerusalem and another individual

were killed, and at least nine people — including

the infant’s U.S. citizen parents — were injured.

The driver, who Israeli authorities suspected of

being affiliated with the terrorist organization

Hamas, died from wounds sustained when police

attempted to apprehend him.

*October 29 Jerusalem

A lone gunman shot and seriously wounded an

Israeli-American rabbi and activist in a failed

assassination attempt as the victim left an event

at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center. The

next day, police shot and killed the suspected

shooter during a raid to apprehend him.

*November 5 Jerusalem

A Palestinian man drove a van into a crowd of

pedestrians along a major thoroughfare and

at a Jerusalem light rail stop before exiting his

vehicle and attacking people with an iron bar,

killing a police officer and injuring at least eight

other people. A 24-year old U.S. citizen who was

nearly hit by the vehicle experienced shock after

the incident. She was treated at a local hospital

and released within a few hours. Police shot and

killed the driver, whom the terrorist organization

Hamas claimed was one of its members.

ISRAELI POLICE INSPECT THE SCENE OF AN ATTACK IN JERUSALEM, OCTOBER 22, 2014, BY A PALESTINIAN MOTORIST WHO DROVE HIS CAR INTO A CROWD OF COMMUTERS AT A RAIL STATION, KILLING A THREE-MONTH-OLD U.S. CITIZEN AND ANOTHER PERSON. (AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS)


10

November 16 Syria

Militants from the terrorist group ISIL posted a video to the Internet confirming the

murder of an American aid worker. The aid worker had been kidnapped October 1, 2013, in

northeastern Syria while delivering medical supplies to Syrian refugees.

*November 18 Jerusalem

Two assailants identified as cousins stormed the Kehilat Bnei Torah synagogue located

in Har Nof, killing five people and injuring more than a dozen. Three of the dead were U.S.

citizens, as was one of the wounded. Police shot and killed the perpetrators.

November 26 Sana’a, Yemen

A lone gunman armed with an AK-47 rifle opened fire on the U.S. Embassy compound,

killing a member of the Yemeni Special Security Forces guarding the Embassy. The

gunman was shot and killed by Yemeni security officers. No group has claimed

responsibility for the attack.

We live in a world with more unstable and dangerous locations. Our foreign policy often demands that we send our people to work in those very places that are increasingly perilous. We cannot eliminate risk. The threats evolve. As a result, the work of securing our facilities and safeguarding our people is never complete.

—Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Gregory B. Starr, 2014


11

December 1 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

A female assailant stabbed to death a U.S. citizen in a public restroom at a shopping mall

on Reem Island. The suspect was arrested and charged in connection with the murder as

well as the planting of a bomb outside the home of an American doctor. The improvised

explosive device was defused by host-country explosive ordnance disposal technicians.

The suspect subsequently was linked to the terrorist organization al-Qa’ida in the

Arabian Peninsula.

December 6 Shabwah Province, Yemen

An American photojournalist and a South African teacher were killed by their captors

during a rescue operation by U.S. forces. The American had been kidnapped in

September 2013 by al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula.

A VEILED SUSPECT IN THE STABBING OF AN AMERICAN TEACHER AT A SHOPPING MALL IS SEEN IN A SECURITY CAMERA VIDEO DEPARTING THE COMMERCIAL FACILITY IN ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, DECEMBER 1, 2014. (ABU DHABI POLICE VIA AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS)


11


12


south & centra� asia

14 Afghanistan

2 Pakistan


January 17 Kabul, Afghanistan

A suicide bomber and two gunmen attacked a restaurant and adjoining guesthouse. One of the insurgents detonated his suicide vest at the main entranceway of the guesthouse, facilitating entry for the two gunmen. Shortly afterward, Afghan National Police arrived and engaged the gunmen. After four hours, Afghan security forces had killed the two gunmen and secured the site. The attack resulted in the death of 21 people, including two Americans who worked for the American University of Afghanistan and a Somali-American who worked for the United Nation’s Children's Fund. At least six people were injured. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.


13

February 10 Kabul, Afghanistan

A suicide bomber driving

an explosives-laden Toyota

Corolla targeted a two-vehicle

International Security Assistance

Force convoy en route to Pol-e

Charkhi Prison in eastern Kabul

city. The explosion killed two U.S.

Department of Defense (DOD)

contractors and seven Afghan

civilians. Two DOD contractors

were wounded in the attack.

March 20 Kabul, Afghanistan

Four militants entered the Serena

Hotel, bypassing security by

hiding six handguns in their

shoes. They entered the hotel’s

main restaurant where they ate

before opening fire on patrons.

Afghan security forces responded

to the hotel and, after a 6-hour

operation, shot and killed all four

gunmen. The attackers killed

at least six Afghans and four

foreigners, including a U.S. citizen.

The Taliban claimed responsibility

for the attack.

OFFICERS WITH AFGHANISTAN'S INTELLIGENCE SERVICE DISPLAY SOME OF THE WEAPONS AND BELONGINGS USED BY ASSAILANTS IN A MARCH 20, 2014, ATTACK ON KABUL’S SERENA HOTEL. THE ATTACKERS KILLED AT LEAST 10 PEOPLE, INCLUDING A U.S. CITIZEN. (AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS)

U.S. SOLDIERS SEARCH THE SITE WHERE A SUICIDE ATTACKER RAMMED AN EXPLOSIVES-LADEN VEHICLE INTO A NATO CONVOY, KILLING TWO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONTRACTORS IN KABUL, FEBRUARY 10, 2014. (AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS)


14

March 28 Kabul, Afghanistan

Four militants detonated an explosives-laden vehicle

to breach the outer perimeter wall of the Deh Sabz

guesthouse compound, whose occupants included

employees of the U.S.-based Roots for Peace

nongovernmental organization. Afghan security

forces immediately responded to the scene. After

nearly five hours, Afghan security forces announced

the building had been cleared and that all attackers

had been killed. Two Afghan citizens, a young girl

and a bystander, were killed in the attack, and 10

Afghans (five civilians and five security forces) and

one U.S. citizen were injured. The Taliban claimed

responsibility for the attack.

April 24 Kabul, Afghanistan

A member of the Afghan police detail assigned

to protect the Cure International Hospital opened

fire on a group of doctors who had just entered

the hospital compound. The attacker killed three

American doctors and wounded two other doctors

and an American nurse. An Afghan security guard

opened fire on the gunman, wounding him. The

attacker then attempted to take his own life, but

survived.

May 28 Herat, Afghanistan

Unidentified insurgents fired a rocket-propelled

grenade at a three-vehicle convoy from the U.S.

Consulate as it traveled from the diplomatic mission

to the International Security Assistance Force’s

Camp Arena. The rocket penetrated the back and

exited through the left side of one of the convoy

vehicles. It fragmented but did not detonate. Two

American security contractors suffered non-life-

threatening wounds from the impact. The convoy

was able to continue to Camp Arena, where the

victims received medical treatment.

*July 20 Kandahar Province, Afghanistan

A suicide bomber detonated explosives hidden in

his turban, killing an Afghan-American dual-national

citizen (a close relative of then-President Hamid

Karzai). At the time of the attack, visitors were

reportedly celebrating Eid al-Fitr at the victim’s home

when the attacker, posing as a guest, joined the

celebration and detonated the hidden explosives.

August 5 Western Kabul Province, Afghanistan

An Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier opened

fire on International Security Assistance Force

(ISAF) and Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF)

personnel at the ANA Officer Academy at Camp

Qargha in western Kabul Province during an outdoor

presentation. The ISAF and ANSF personnel were

standing approximately 15 meters away and facing

away from the shooter when the gunman opened fire

from the ground-floor window of a nearby building.

The assailant killed a U.S. Army major general and

wounded at least 15 others, including eight American

soldiers, one German and two Afghan generals, and

four or five unidentified others. The gunman was

killed by ANSF personnel who returned fire.

*August 31 Islamabad, Pakistan

While returning to the U.S. Embassy, an unmarked

Embassy vehicle was hit with stones by several

protesters who had strayed from a nearby protest

site. There is no reason to believe the Embassy

vehicle or personnel were specifically targeted. The

vehicle received only minor damage.

A U.S. CONSULATE VEHICLE SHOWS THE DAMAGE FROM A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE THAT STRUCK IT ON MAY 28, 2014, NEAR HERAT, AFGHANISTAN. TWO U.S. SECURITY CONTRACT PERSONNEL WERE INJURED IN THE ATTACK. (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE PHOTO)


15

*September 4 Ghazni City, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan

Unidentified militants detonated

two truck bombs at the compound

housing the National Directorate

of Security headquarters and

General Department of Police

Special Unit. Following the

detonation, at least 10 insurgents

entered the compound and fought

a gun battle with government

forces inside. The attack left 16

Afghan security personnel, two

civilians, and more than a dozen

assailants dead, and at least 202

Afghans injured. In addition to the

security directorate compound,

the two large explosions caused

extensive damage to the nearby

Ministry of Justice building and

almost completely destroyed

the Lincoln Learning Center,

a partnership between the

U.S. Embassy and host-nation

institutions that provided the

Afghan public with access to

current and reliable information

about the United States.

September 16 Kabul, Afghanistan

A suicide bomber detonated his

explosives-laden vehicle near a

two-vehicle International Security

Assistance Force (ISAF) convoy,

killing three ISAF personnel and

wounding 13 Afghan civilians.

Among the dead were a U.S.

soldier and a U.S. contractor. The

Taliban claimed responsibility for

the attack.

*September 29 Kabul, Afghanistan

A suicide bomber targeted

National Directorate of Security

(NDS) personnel gathered near

the traffic circle at the main

entrance to Kabul International

Airport. The explosion killed four

NDS personnel and some Afghan

civilians – including a locally hired

U.S. Embassy employee – and

wounded eight Afghan civilians.

November 27 Kabul, Afghanistan

A suicide bomber detonated his

explosives-laden vehicle near

the compound gate of a U.S.-

based technology corporation.

Following the explosion, two

additional attackers targeted the

facility with small-arms fire and

rockets but were killed by Afghan

security forces. The attack killed

one American and wounded

two others. The Taliban claimed

responsibility.

November 29 Kabul, Afghanistan

Three militants attacked the

residential compound of the U.S.-

based Partnership in Academics

and Development educational

charity. One of the insurgents

detonated his suicide vest at the

gate, allowing the other armed

insurgents to breach the perimeter

and enter the guesthouse.

After a three-hour gun battle,

Afghan security forces killed the

two remaining insurgents and

rescued seven people. The attack

resulted in the death of three

South African citizens — the

charity’s Afghanistan director

and his teenage children — and

one Afghan citizen. The Taliban

claimed responsibility for the

attack.

December 12 Helmand Province, Afghanistan

Taliban insurgents killed 12 Afghan

employees of a U.S. company who

were clearing land mines in the

area between Shorabak and Nadali

Districts. Afghan Security Forces

responded, killing three attackers

and capturing four others. The

Taliban claimed responsibility for

the attack.

*December 16 Peshawar, Pakistan

Six militants stormed the Army

Public School and killed more

than 150 people. Among the 134

slain children was a 15-year-old

Pakistani-American dual-national

citizen. More than 120 others were

injured. The terrorist organization

Tehrik-e Taliban claimed

responsibility for the attack,

citing the educational institution’s

affiliation with the Pakistani

Military. This was the most lethal

terrorist attack in Pakistan to date.


16


europe

1 Belgium

1 Greece

2 Russia

5 Turkey

6 Ukraine


February 18 Kyiv, Ukraine

More than 400 people arrived at the U.S. Embassy to protest U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s political affairs. About an hour into the event, protesters began throwing eggs at the security checkpoint to the consular services section. After an hour of egging, they began to throw a red liquid at the facility and hung signs on the front of the building. As Embassy visitors were being escorted through a rear exit, protesters ran up to the Embassy fence line and began throwing eggs at them; no one was hit. Several demonstrators then began throwing glass bottles and jars, some containing a red liquid, resulting in the evacuation of the security screening area. After about three and a half hours, the protesters departed the area. No Embassy personnel were injured.


17

*April 4 Brussels, Belgium

Between 25,000 and 30,000 members of various labor unions protested in the streets of the capital against

austerity measures being implemented throughout European Union countries. Protesters set off fireworks and

flares, and threw rocks, bottles, and cans as they passed the U.S. Embassy. Two Embassy vehicles sustained

minor damage from the debris. One Federal Police officer assigned to the Embassy sustained a minor injury and

was taken to the hospital. Two members of the Embassy’s local guard force sustained minor hearing damage

when an M-80 firecracker exploded near their position. Both guards were sent to the hospital for examination.

PROTESTORS IN BRUSSELS HURL DEBRIS TOWARD POLICE DURING A TRADE UNION DEMONSTRATION AGAINST EUROPEAN UNION AUSTERITY MEASURES, APRIL 4, 2014. SOME U.S. EMBASSY SECURITY PERSONNEL AND A POLICE OFFICER WERE INJURED AND TWO OFFICIAL VEHICLES WERE DAMAGED AS THE PROTEST MOVED PAST THE DIPLOMATIC MISSION. (AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS)

PROTESTERS DEMONSTRATING AGAINST U.S. INVOLVEMENT IN UKRAINE’S POLITICAL AFFAIRS DEFACE THE EXTERIOR OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS SECTION AT THE U.S. EMBASSY IN KYIV, FEBRUARY 18, 2014. (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE PHOTO)


18

LOCAL RESIDENTS VIEW THE AFTERMATH OF AN ATTACK JULY 15, 2014, BY PROTESTERS WHO VANDALIZED TENTS AND FACILITIES PREPARED TO HOST AN IFTAR DINNER IN DIYARBAKIR, TURKEY. A U.S. CONSULATE DELEGATION WHICH WAS SCHEDULED TO ATTEND THE EVENT WAS WARNED IN ADVANCE OF THE PROTEST BY LOCAL POLICE. (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE PHOTO)

*April 21 Slovyansk, Ukraine

A U.S. journalist was held against his will for several

days by pro-Russian separatists before being

released unharmed.

*April 29 Donetsk, Ukraine

Two American citizens working for a non-

governmental organization were detained and held

for ten days by pro-Russian separatists. While

the U.S. citizens were not physically harmed, they

were interrogated, isolated, and moved to various

locations during their captivity.

*May 2 Slovyansk, Ukraine

Several foreign reporters, including two U.S.

journalists, were held against their will by pro-

Russian separatists for several hours before being

released unharmed.

June 30 Vladivostok, Russia

A pedestrian approached the U.S. Consulate

General on foot and threw a rock at two of the

consulate’s vehicles. A police officer approached

the subject, who appeared intoxicated, to question

him. The man broke contact with the officer and

threw a second rock at one of the vehicles, causing

minor damage to the rear panel. The officer

arrested the subject, who made numerous anti-

American comments, including several related to

events in Ukraine. He further stated that he came

to the Consulate with the intention of causing

damage, that he hated Americans and the guards

who worked for the Consulate, and that he would

be back to do more damage. City police arrived and

took the man into custody.

July 4 St. Petersburg, Russia

Four individuals threw smoke bombs and set a U.S.

flag on fire in front of the U.S. Consulate General.

Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs officers posted at

the Mission detained one of the individuals, but the

other three fled. No damage or injuries were reported

as a result of the incident.

July 15 Diyarbakir, Turkey

A group of 200 to 300 people vandalized and

destroyed tents set up for an Iftar dinner which was

to be attended by a U.S. Consulate delegation. Prior to

the arrival of the U.S. delegation, the protesters also

burned an American flag and chanted anti-American

and anti-Israeli slogans. The protest was believed to

be in response to ongoing Israeli-Hamas hostilities

in Gaza. Approximately half a dozen local workers

setting up the event were injured.

*July 17 Ukraine

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down by a

surface-to-air missile over Donetsk Oblast. All 298

passengers perished, including a Dutch-American

dual-national citizen.


19

July 19 Adana, Turkey

Approximately 250 individuals

gathered outside the U.S. Consulate

to protest ongoing Israeli-Hamas

hostilities in Gaza. Some 30

protesters broke off from the main

group, knocked down the barrier in

front of the Consulate, and began

to throw rocks and bottles over

the compound wall. Police pushed

the group back to the original

protest area. After two hours, the

demonstration ended. No U.S.

personnel were injured; however,

two Turkish policemen received

minor injuries. There was also minor

damage to the front of the Consulate

and exterior police booths.

July 20 to 21 Adana, Turkey

An estimated 1,000 demonstrators

gathered at 5 January Square to

protest the ongoing Israeli-Hamas

hostilities in Gaza. From there,

the protesters drove to the U.S.

Consulate, where they exited their

vehicles and threw rocks over the

compound wall, striking the building

and causing minor damage to a

mission vehicle before continuing

on to the Incirlik Air Base. No U.S.

personnel were injured.

July 23 Istanbul, Turkey

Approximately 100 individuals

from Ozgur-Der, a Turkish

nongovernmental organization,

protested at the U.S. Consulate

General. Participants chanted

anti-American and anti-Israeli

slogans, burned American and

Israeli flags, and spray painted

a derogatory statement on the

compound’s perimeter wall. The

protest concluded within an hour.

August 14 Athens, Greece

Police arrested an individual after

he threw a brick at glass partitions

at the main entrance to the U.S.

Embassy, causing significant

damage to one of them. During

questioning, he stated that he “had

been planning to do this for a long

time and was fed up with all the

damage the Americans have done

to others.” No one was hurt in the

incident.

ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE REPRESENTATIVES (IN THE BACKGROUND) SEARCH FOR CLUES AT THE CRASH SITE OF A MALAYSIA AIRLINES JET NEAR THE VILLAGE OF HRABOVE, EASTERN UKRAINE, JULY 19, 2014. THE PASSENGER AIRLINER WAS SHOT DOWN AMID THE CONFLICT BETWEEN UKRAINIAN GOVERNMENT FORCES AND RUSSIAN-BACKED REBELS. (AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS)

October 4 Kyiv, Ukraine

During a conversation at a local

grocery store, a U.S. official

was asked if he was American.

The American answered in the

affirmative. The American departed

the store and walked home. As he

neared his apartment, a vehicle

pulled up alongside him, and three

men jumped out and physically

assaulted him with their fists. The

men got back in the car and departed

the scene. The American sustained

several non-life-threatening injuries.

November 14 Istanbul, Turkey

Three U.S. sailors from the USS

Ross were assaulted in the Eminonu

neighborhood of Istanbul by

members of the left-wing nationalist

party Turkish Youth Union (Turkiye

Genclik Birligi, or TGB). The TGB

members circled the sailors and

called them murderers. They

then started to chant, “Yankee go

home!” and “Down with American

imperialism!” While chanting

slogans, the members hurled red

paint at the sailors and put hoods

over their heads. None of the sailors

sustained serious injuries.


20


sub-saharan afric�

1 Kenya

1 Nigeria

1 Republic of Congo

3 Somalia


*April 12 Mbomo, Republic of the Congo

Approximately 200 protesters arrived at the African Parks headquarters to protest their operations within the Odzala National Park. The protesters breached the perimeter of the facility and assaulted and injured (not seriously) local and international employees, to include a U.S. citizen. Congolese security personnel from a nearby town responded and eventually restored order.


21

*July 23 Mogadishu, Somalia

A Somali-American dual-national citizen who

was a Member of Parliament and her driver were

shot and killed by unknown gunmen. The terrorist

organization Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for

the attack.

*November 17 Mogadishu, Somalia

A Somali-American dual-national citizen working

as a contractor for a United States Agency for

International Development-funded project was shot

and killed in what may have been a targeted killing.

*December 1 Wajir City, Kenya

Five locally hired staff from the U.S. Embassy

conducting on-site planning for the U.S.

Ambassador’s visit to Wajir City were dining at the

Ngamia Hotel when armed gunmen attacked a night

club and police station located 800 meters away.

Upon hearing two loud explosions and small-arms

fire, the Embassy personnel fled the hotel, narrowly

escaping serious injury. One of the staff members

received minor lacerations. The attack lasted 20

minutes and resulted in three people killed and 13

others injured. No group claimed responsibility for

the attack, but the al-Shabaab terrorist organization

is suspected.

*December 24 Kaduna, Nigeria:

A U.S. Embassy two-vehicle motorcade en route

to Kano was stopped at a military checkpoint

in Kaduna. The passengers were told to exit the

vehicles so they could be searched. A locally

employed staff (LES) investigator tried to explain

to the soldiers that the diplomatic vehicles were

not subject to search. At that point, the soldiers

demanded to see diplomatic identification from the

passengers. When a soldier tried to snatch the ID

card from one of the passengers, the LES investigator

tried to intervene. He was then escorted to the

rear of a nearby building and assaulted, suffering

superficial injuries to his leg and face. The group was

able to contact a Nigerian Army officer in charge

of the area who resolved the issue. The Embassy

motorcade was permitted to continue on to Kano.

December 25 Mogadishu, Somalia

At least four armed al-Shabaab terrorists attacked

African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM)

facilities at the Mogadishu International Airport.

AMISOM forces responded to the attack, killing

the assailants over the course of the day and the

following morning. Three AMISOM soldiers and

three civilians, including a U.S. citizen, were killed

and several others were wounded. The terrorist

organization Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for

the attack.

We have seen that al-Shabaab has changed its strategies somewhat, and they have been involved in attacks across the East African region. We will continue to work with governments in those regions to try to address that threat.

—Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of

African Affairs, 2014


22


we�er� hemisphere

3 Colombia


September 21 Tumaco, Narino Province, Colombia

Gas cylinders packed with explosives were launched at a Colombian police airbase housing U.S.-government-owned, Colombian-operated helicopters used in coca-plant eradication operations. Two Colombian policemen suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and four helicopters, the hangar, and office facilities were damaged.


23

November 18 Bogota, Colombia

Three Colombians, who were part of an ongoing

protest across the street from the U.S. Embassy,

walked to the vehicle-inspection area of the

Embassy compound. Two of the men chained

themselves to one of the metal poles holding

up a permanent canopy. Shortly afterwards,

Colombian National Police (CNP) officers arrived

on the scene and attempted to cut the chains off.

During a short scuffle, the third male protester,

who was not chained, punched the Embassy’s

assistant regional security officer, who suffered

a bruise to his right cheek and neck. The CNP

subdued all three individuals. The men belonged

to a group called Colmotores, comprised of

former General Motors employees who had been

protesting across from the Embassy for more

than three years.

November 19 Bogota, Colombia

A protester from the ongoing Colmotores

protest across the street from the U.S. Embassy

entered Embassy grounds and made his way to

the vehicle gate while being challenged by three

members of the Embassy’s local guard force.

The protester attempted to chain himself to the

vehicle gate with a steel chain and lock. The local

guard force personnel and Colombian National

Police (CNP) officers escorted the protester

away from the Embassy grounds. The protester

subsequently struck a CNP officer in the face

with the steel chain and attempted to remove the

officer’s handgun from its holster before being

restrained and arrested.

COLOMBIAN SOLDIERS PATROL SEPTEMBER 22, 2014, NEAR A POLICE AIRBASE WHERE U.S. GOVERNMENT-OWNED ANTI-NARCOTICS AIRCRAFT WERE DAMAGED IN A TERRORIST ATTACK THE PREVIOUS DAY. (COLOMBIAN ARMY PHOTO)


24

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Historically, overseas environments have presented potential hazards to citizens and

diplomats of the United States. As our nation’s diplomatic presence and its commercial

tourist trade broadened considerably throughout the twentieth century, potential dangers

and vulnerabilities increased as well. Over the past quarter-century in particular, the rise

of international terrorism and criminal activity has contributed to a worldwide increase in

incidents of violence against individuals, organizations, and facilities of the United States.

In some cases, U.S. citizens have been victimized randomly; in other cases, assaults

appear to have been intentional.

This edition of Political Violence Against Americans serves both as a record and a reminder

that vigilance, preparation, and sensible discretion are valuable safeguards. Reasonable

precautions can significantly minimize opportunities for those who would do harm to the

people of the United States and their interests.

conclusion

—Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Gregory B. Starr,

2013

THE POLITICAL VIOLENCE AGAINST AMERICANS PUBLICATION SERIES

Political Violence Against Americans, formerly Significant Incidents of Political

Violence Against Americans, is produced by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s

Directorate of Threat Investigations and Analysis and the Office of Public Affairs

to provide readers with a comprehensive picture of the broad spectrum of

political violence that American citizens and interests encounter abroad on an

annual basis.

These reports are available in PDF format at the Internet address below and from

the QR code to the right. To view the PDF, you may need to download and install

the Adobe Acrobat Reader. http://www.state.gov/m/ds/rls/rpt/19691.htm

CORRECTION FROM 2013 EDITION Under South and Central Asia, on page three, the data should read: 7 U.S. Government and 1 Other (not 7 U.S. Business and 1 U.S. Government)

United States Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security Directorate of Threat Investigations and Analysis Washington, D.C. 20522-2008

Released March 2016www.diplomaticsecurity.state.gov

the bureau of diplomatic security (ds)...diplomatic security’s ability to detect and counter...

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