U.S. issues travel warning for citizens

Antara, Jakarta

The United States has issued a travel warning to its citizens around the world, including Indonesia, about the existence of threats to their safety.

The warning, a copy of which was sent to Antara by the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, was issued by the U.S. Department of State.

"In light of the recent audiotape attributed to Osama bin Laden and other reports of threats to American interests, this worldwide caution is being issued to alert Americans to the need to remain vigilant and to remind them of the continuing threat of terrorist actions that may target civilians," it said.

Bin Laden is suspected of being the mastermind behind the devastating terrorist attacks on New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. on Sept. 11 last year.

The worldwide caution expires on April 8, 2003.

The statement said the U.S. government was continuing to receive credible indications that extremist groups and individuals were planning additional terrorist actions against U.S. interests, adding that such actions may include, but may not be limited to, suicide operations.

"Because security and security awareness have been elevated within the U.S., the terrorists may target U.S. interests overseas. We remind American citizens to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution," it said.

The statement also said that terrorist groups did not distinguish between official targets and civilian targets.

Attacks on places of worship and schools, and the murders of private American citizens, it said, demonstrate that as security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers will seek softer targets.

"These may include facilities where Americans are generally known to congregate or visit, such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools or outdoor recreation events," the statement said.

"Americans should increase their security awareness when they are at such locations, avoid them, or switch to other locations where Americans in large numbers generally do not congregate. American citizens may be targeted for kidnapping and assassination," it said.

The caution also said U.S. government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time to review their security posture and ensure its adequacy.

In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services for American citizens, it said.

The announcement also said Americans were urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest American embassy or consulate.