Doha

A man was taken into custody by Qatari authorities on Thursday for assaulting a security guard at the US embassy in Doha.

The embassy has confirmed the incident on its website, under the headline ‘Security Message for US Citizens:‎ Incident Information.’ The embassy guard received superficial injuries.

“While there is no change to the overall security environment in Qatar, we use this opportunity to remind US citizens of our standing security guidance,” the embassy has said.
US citizens have been told that “It is always advisable to keep your security and situational awareness levels high.

“Avoid crowds or large gatherings when travelling in public; know where you are going and have a plan of what to do in the event you encounter demonstrations or violence;

“Identify safe areas (for example police stations, hospitals, government buildings) in your area and know how to get to them quickly; tell co-workers or neighbours where you’re going and when you intend to return;

“Minimise your profile while in public; always carry a cell phone and make sure you have emergency numbers pre-programmed into your phone including the emergency number for the Police, Fire, and Rescue - 999;

“Be prepared to postpone or cancel activities for personal safety concerns; report concerns you may have to the US Embassy in Doha (+974-4496-6700);

“US citizens travelling abroad should regularly monitor the US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.

“The US Embassy also encourages US citizens to review the 'Traveller’s Checklist', which includes valuable security information for those both living and travelling abroad, and enrol with the Department of State or the US Embassy through the State Department’s Smart Traveller Enrolment Programme.”