Important Security Announcement for American Citizens in Nepal

August 14, 2009

A small improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated in the conference room of the Nepali Congress central office, Sanepa on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 in the afternoon. No human casualties were reported as the room was empty at the time of the incident. The furniture was damaged and window panes were shattered owing to the force of the blast. It has been reported that a man walked into the office and placed a bag with the pipe bomb under a table in the conference room. The police have cordoned off the area and begun an investigation into the matter.  Pamphlets belonging to the Nepal Defense Army (NDA) were retrieved from the scene. Party cadres and leaders came to the party office after the detonation to see the damage from the blast. The NDA was also responsible for the bomb blast that claimed three lives at the Assumption Catholic Church in Jawalakhel, Kathmandu, three months earlier. 

In a separate incident, a second IED was also recovered from the Transport Management Office, Ekantakuna on Tuesday. An explosive ordinance disposal team from the Armed Police Force safely defused the bomb.  The NDA has also reportedly claimed responsibility for planting this device. 

This message is being sent to inform American citizens to be aware of their surroundings and to be cognizant of any suspicious activity. If you need any further assistance, please contact the nearest law enforcement agency or the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy.

For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov. Americans living or traveling in Nepal are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/  The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is located at Maharajgunj.  The telephone number is 977-1-4007200, 4007201.  The number for after-hours emergencies is 977-1-4007266,4007269.  The fax number is 977-1-4007281.  The Consulate's e-mail address is consktm@state.gov and its Internet web page is http://nepal.usembassy.gov  U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's latest Travel Warning for Nepal, Country Specific Information for Nepal, and the Worldwide Caution, available at http://travel.state.gov/.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).