U.S. issues travel warning for citizens
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.