U.S. Issues Travel Warnings for 2 New Countries

Two new countries were added to the list of travel warnings from the United States over the weekend.

On May 16, the U.S. issued a Level 2, "exercise increase caution" warning for Peru and Tajikistan for concerning reasons. The decision came not long after the United States added two new countries with a Level 4, "do not travel" warning earlier in May.

Peru made the list this weekend due to crime, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. The United States particularly warned travelers against making their way to several specific areas.

Do not travel to:

• The Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region due to crime.
• The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), which includes Vilcabamba, due to crime and threats of terrorism.
• Some areas within the regions of Ayacucho, Cusco*, Huancavelica, and Junín, due to crime and threats of terrorism. 

"Crime is common in Peru. Petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults, and other violent crime often happen even in daylight hours and with many witnesses around. Kidnapping is rare, but it does occur. The risk of crime increases at night. Criminal groups sometimes set up roadblocks to rob people in areas outside of Lima," the United States said in a statement.

Tajikistan, meanwhile, made the list due to the risk of terrorism, unexploded landmines, occasional violence near the border with the Kyrgyz Republic, and limited ability to assist U.S.-Tajik dual nationals.

Those considering travel to the country were specifically warned against:

• Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan due to terrorism.
• Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) due to the potential for armed conflict.

"Terrorist organizations are known to have a presence in the region and have targeted foreigners and local authorities in the past," the U.S. said in its statement.

The United States has handed out travel warnings to 15 countries this month.

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