The statement, last issued in January, asserted that Al Qaida could
be planning an attack to avenge the U.S. assassination of Osama Bin Laden in
May. The State Department cited such potential targets as businesses,
hotels, places of worship, schools and tourist sites.
"Credible information indicates terrorist groups also seek to continue
attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa," the
advisory said. "For example, Iraq remains dangerous and unpredictable.
Attacks against military and civilian targets throughout Iraq continue."
Other Middle East countries believed targeted by Al Qaida included
Algeria, Lebanon and Yemen. The State Department said Americans could also
be under threat in Bahrain, Egypt, Libya and Syria.
"U.S. citizens are warned that demonstrations intended to be peaceful
can escalate into violent clashes," the advisory said. "U.S. citizens are
urged to avoid areas of demonstrations if possible and to exercise caution
if within the vicinity of a demonstration."