Daily Archives: March 6, 2020

Suicide Bomber/s Target US Embassy Tunisia, Two Militants, One Policeman Reportedly Killed

March 6, 2020 By in Diplomatic Attacks, Diplomatic Security, Realities of the FS, State Department, Terrorism, U.S. Missions Tags: , , , ,
On March 6, 2020, suicide bomber or bombers reportedly on a motorbike blew themselves up outside the US Embassy in Tunisia. The Embassy issued a security alert noting the closure of its public entrance:

“Due to the March 6 attack and ongoing investigation, the U.S. Embassy’s public entrance remains closed. We remind U.S. citizens to review the Department of State’s travel advisory for Tunisia and to maintain personal vigilance.   U.S. Citizens requiring emergency services should dial +216 71 107 000 for assistance.

U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Donald Bloom released a statement thanking the Tunisian authorities for their swift response:

“I would like to thank the Tunisian authorities for their immediate protection of the U.S. Embassy today, as well as their rapid response in investigating the situation. We are outraged by the attack and saddened to learn of the loss of Lieutenant Taoufik Missaoui, and offer sincere condolences to his family and colleagues. We also wish for a speedy recovery to the brave Tunisian officers who were injured. All personnel at the U.S. Embassy are safe and accounted for. The Tunisian security forces were professional and thorough. We reaffirm our commitment to our longstanding friendship with Tunisia and our alliance with them  against the scourge of terrorism.”

 

Burn Bag: Department of Swagger’s Foreign Affairs Day Merges With Retirement Ceremony

March 6, 2020 By in Foreign Affairs, Foreign Service, Huh? News, Mike Pompeo, Pompeo, Realities of the FS, State Department, Trends Tags: , ,

 

Via Burn Bag:
“Foreign Affairs Day (formerly Foreign Service Day) approaches, and the Department of Swagger is doing all it can to diminish it.  It has been merged with the annual Retirement Ceremony and truncated to end after the 8th Floor lunch.  Director of Talent Management Perez is the senior participant (i.e. no 7th Floor participant), the AFSA Plaque Ceremony has been moved to mid-morning (but FAD attendees are only allowed to watch on B-Net), and the bureau briefings have been cut back to a single session.  Annual parking snafu at Kennedy Center continues — attendees are told to show invitation to get “special” $15 rate; normal daytime rate is $14.”

White Cat Wondering What’s Going On. Photo by Pixabay