U.S. warns of impending terrorism in and around Israel
SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Monday, May 15, 2000
WASHINGTON -- The United States has warned Americans of an increased
prospect of terrorism attacks around Israel.
The State Department said attacks could place either in Israel, the West
Bank or Gaza Strip. The department did not specify.
A statement said American visitors should report suspicious packages or
any unusual activity to the police and be careful of crowded areas and
public transportation.
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher would not provide details of
the announcement. "We have no details as to the potential target of an
attack," Boucher said on Friday. "The department has assessed the threat to
be serious enough to warrant the issuance of a public announcement."
In Israel, defense sources acknowledged that the security services have
received information of impending terrorist attacks. They said the attacks
are being planned by such Islamic militant groups as Hamas, Islamic Jihad
and the Lebanese Hizbullah -- all financed by Iran.
The sources said Hamas are working on plans to kidnap Israeli soldiers
while Hizbullah is expected to launch attacks along the northern border.
Moreover, the sources said, Israel expects violence this week during
Palestinian Authority-sponsored demonstrations to mark what the Palestinians
term the "catastrophe" of Israel's independence.
Monday, May 15, 2000
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