On 1 March 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi alerts U.S. citizens to the rise in attacks against foreign women in Hanoi. Hanoi police are currently investigating attacks on foreign women around the Tay Ho West Lake area of Hanoi. Police state that a group of 25 men are suspected of carrying out the attacks which have included sexual assault, bricks being thrown at women, and women being assaulted with belts from motorbikes. The attackers tend to work in groups and flee quickly on motorbikes.
“We urge U.S. citizens to practice vigilance and consider traveling in groups when walking or jogging in that area. U.S. citizens who are or have been targets of similar incidents are encouraged to report the incident to local police and to the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. Emergency contact information is available here. Consular and duty officers are available 24/7 for emergency assistance.”
