ABU DHABI Ñ The U.S. military is warning its personnel and their families of rising enmity against Westerners in the Persian Gulf, particularly in Kuwait.

The United States and allied nations came to the defense of Kuwait after it was invaded by Iraq on Aug. 2, 1990 at the start of the Gulf War.

U.S. military commanders have met with U.S. service members and their families and warned them to be on the alert for Islamic insurgency attacks, Middle East Newsline reported.

They said security is being increased around all U.S. military installations as well as buildings that house Americans.

"Kuwait is about as tense right now as it's been since I've been here," U.S. Army Col. David Lamm said. "There is a lot of anti-Western sentiment and behavior out there right now, and we're here today to tell you what we're doing to keep you safe."

Lamm, commander of the Army element of U.S. Central Command, told a recent meeting at Camp Doha in Kuwait that Americans must quickly report suspicious activities and objects. The commander envisioned a long period of tension in the region.

U.S. commanders said Kuwait as well as other Gulf Cooperation Council states are working with the American military to improve security. They said there are no plans to evacuate noncombatant staff from Kuwait or the rest of the Persian Gulf region.

But the commanders said an evacuation cannot be ruled out. Several Westerners, including American soldiers, have already been attacked in the region.

"When I cannot guarantee your safety, I will come to your leadership and I'll let them know that conditions aren't safe, and we'll respond appropriately," Lamm told the meeting.

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