Although countering terrorism has always been a part of the State Department's role, since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, these efforts have become an increasingly important part of U.S. government activities. Such efforts have also become more important in U.S. relations with other countries and with international organizations such as the United Nations. The U.S. Department of State is charged with coordinating these international efforts and protecting Americans abroad. The State Department's objective is to reduce the number of terrorist attacks, particularly those on U.S. citizens and interests. Since the September 11th attacks, the State Department has helped direct the American efforts to combat terrorism abroad by building the global coalition against terrorism, including providing diplomatic support for military operations in Afghanistan and other countries. The State Department has also supported international law enforcement efforts to identify, arrest, and bring terrorists to justice, as well as performing other activities intended to reduce the number of terrorist attacks. To protect U.S. officials, property, and information abroad, the State Department operates programs that include local guards for U.S. missions, armored vehicles for embassy personnel, U.S. Marine security guards to protect sensitive information, and plans to evacuate Americans in emergencies. For Americans who travel and live abroad, the State Department issues public travel warnings and operates warning systems to convey terrorism-related information. To disrupt and destroy terrorist organizations abroad, the State Department has numerous programs and activities that rely on military, multilateral, economic, law enforcement, intelligence, and other capabilities. To coordinate the U.S. effort to combat terrorism internationally, the State Department uses a variety of mechanisms to work with the Departments of Defense, Justice, and the Treasury; the intelligence agencies; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and others. 1 table and appended detailed descriptions of State Department terrorism countermeasures