[UNCLASSIFIED]
MFAT Media Update:

Death of Osama bin Laden and Risk of Anti-Western Violence

1.15pm 3 May 2011

On 2 May 2011 (NZT), the President of the United States announced that Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden had been killed during a US military operation in Pakistan.

The US has issued a Worldwide Travel Alert warning of the enhanced potential for violence given recent counter-terrorism activity in Pakistan.
The following points can be attributed to a spokesperson for the Ministry:

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT) advises all New Zealanders residing in or travelling to areas where anti-Western violence could occur to exercise enhanced vigilance.

• New Zealanders should monitor local news, avoid public gatherings and demonstrations, and stay away from areas where they may take place, as they could turn violent without warning.

• All New Zealand Embassies and Consulates overseas have been advised of the need for security awareness.

• We strongly recommend that New Zealanders travelling or living overseas register their contact details via www.safetravel.govt.nz so MFAT can make contact in an emergency

All MFAT travel advice can be found on www.safetravel.govt.nz

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