Cairo Explosions

The following report is based on open press reporting and information from U.S. Embassy Cairo on February 23, 2009:

On February 22, 2009, one explosive detonated and another was found in Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili marketplace, an area popular with tourists and street vendors. The first device detonated around 7:00 p.m. near the Hussein mosque, adjacent to the marketplace, killing one French citizen and wounding approximately 20 people. Egyptian authorities stated the device was a homemade bomb placed under a bench in the main area of the bazaar; however, some media reports have stated that the device was thrown from a balcony.  One hour later, police found a second device but were able to detonate it without causing any additional injuries.

 

Experts believe this attack to be the work of amateurs, rather than an advanced terrorist network.  One security expert noted that similar low-level attacks can be perpetrated by a small group of people who act independently of any larger organization, using easily assembled devices and hitting open targets.

 

Media sources speculated that the attack may have been carried out in response to Egypt’s stance during the Gaza conflict. The country was criticized by Arabs around the world for refusing to open permanently its border crossing with Gaza.  In addition, Egypt has been plagued by domestic conflicts stemming from the economy, weakened infrastructure, and clashes between security forces and Egyptian citizens. For more information on Egypt’s domestic security concerns, please click on this link.

 

This was the second attack in the Khan el-Khalili in four years; in April 2005, a suicide bomber killed two French citizens and one American tourist.  The attack had a negative impact on Egypt’s tourism industry.

There were no reports of Americans being injured in Sunday’s attack, nor are there any current reports of direct threats to American citizens or organizations. 

Travel Advisories

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs gives the following advice Australians who are traveling, working or living in Egypt: "Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas, organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy."

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office gives the following advice British people who are traveling, working or living in Egypt: "We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. This should cover medical evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake."

The Canadian Foreign Affairs Office gives the following advice to Canadians who are traveling, working or living in Egypt: "Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover costs if you get sick or are injured while abroad. Out-of-country healthcare can be costly, and your health plan will cover only part of the bill at best. It is your responsibility to obtain supplementary travel insurance and understand the terms of your policy. Some credit card companies offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume that coverage is automatically included or that the card alone provides adequate coverage."

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade gives the following advice to New Zealanders: "New Zealanders travelling or resident in Egypt should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air."

The U.S. Department of State gives the following advice to Americans who are traveling, working or living in Egypt: "We strongly urge you to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation and overseas medical services. Please keep in mind that Medicare does not cover any illness or injury that occurs outside of the United States."

How We Can Help

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