ABU DHABI Ñ The United States has warned its citizens that they
could come under attack in Qatar.
The U.S. embassy in Doha has warned Americans in Qatar to be on the
alert for the prospect of a strike by Islamic militants linked to Al Qaida, Middle East Newsline reported.
The embassy urged the estimated 10,000 Americans in Qatar to exercise
caution and remain vigilant regarding personal security.
"This public announcement is being issued to remind Americans of the
potential for further terrorist actions against U.S. citizens abroad," the
embassy said. "U.S. citizens and interests abroad remain at risk of
terrorist attacks by groups including, but not limited to, those with links
to Osama Bin Laden's Al Qaida organizations."
The embassy statement is virtually identical to State Department
warnings in other Gulf and Middle East countries. The embassy raised the
prospect that Americans in Qatar were being monitored by hostile elements
who might want to abduct them.
"Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all
required travel, and treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with
suspicion," the embassy said. "Vehicles should not be left unattended, if
possible, and they should be kept locked at all times."
Last week, a U.S. defense delegation, led by Undersecretary of State Dov
Zakheim, met Qatari defense and military officials.
