U.S. issues travel warning for citizens<\/p>\n
Antara, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The United States has issued a travel warning to its citizens
\naround the world, including Indonesia, about the existence of
\nthreats to their safety.<\/p>\n
The warning, a copy of which was sent to Antara by the U.S.
\nEmbassy in Jakarta, was issued by the U.S. Department of State.<\/p>\n
\"In light of the recent audiotape attributed to Osama bin
\nLaden and other reports of threats to American interests, this
\nworldwide caution is being issued to alert Americans to the need
\nto remain vigilant and to remind them of the continuing threat of
\nterrorist actions that may target civilians,\" it said.<\/p>\n
Bin Laden is suspected of being the mastermind behind the
\ndevastating terrorist attacks on New York, Pennsylvania and
\nWashington, D.C. on Sept. 11 last year.<\/p>\n
The worldwide caution expires on April 8, 2003.<\/p>\n
The statement said the U.S. government was continuing to
\nreceive credible indications that extremist groups and
\nindividuals were planning additional terrorist actions against
\nU.S. interests, adding that such actions may include, but may
\nnot be limited to, suicide operations.<\/p>\n
\"Because security and security awareness have been elevated
\nwithin the U.S., the terrorists may target U.S. interests
\noverseas. We remind American citizens to remain vigilant with
\nregard to their personal security and to exercise caution,\" it
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
The statement also said that terrorist groups did not
\ndistinguish between official targets and civilian targets.<\/p>\n
Attacks on places of worship and schools, and the murders of
\nprivate American citizens, it said, demonstrate that as security
\nis increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists and their
\nsympathizers will seek softer targets.<\/p>\n
\"These may include facilities where Americans are generally
\nknown to congregate or visit, such as clubs, restaurants, places
\nof worship, schools or outdoor recreation events,\" the statement
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
\"Americans should increase their security awareness when they
\nare at such locations, avoid them, or switch to other locations
\nwhere Americans in large numbers generally do not congregate.
\nAmerican citizens may be targeted for kidnapping and
\nassassination,\" it said.<\/p>\n
The caution also said U.S. government facilities worldwide
\nremain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may
\ntemporarily close or suspend public services from time to time to
\nreview their security posture and ensure its adequacy.<\/p>\n
In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make
\nevery effort to provide emergency services for American citizens,
\nit said.<\/p>\n
The announcement also said Americans were urged to monitor the
\nlocal news and maintain contact with the nearest American embassy
\nor consulate.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/us-issues-travel-warning-for-citizens-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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