ABU DHABI — The United States has warned of an Al Qaida strike in
Kuwait.
The U.S. embassy told Americans in Kuwait that they could be targeted
for attack by Islamic insurgents. The embassy urged the Americans to remain
on alert and report suspicious activity to authorities.
"Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking,
kidnappings and assassinations," the embassy said in a warden message on
July 30.
The statement said American civilians and soldiers could be targets
of Al Qaida. Kuwait contains about 13,000 U.S. civilians and 10,000
soldiers, Middle East Newsline reported.
The embassy said security at official U.S. sites has been increased. As
a result, Al Qaida could select to attack public transportation and
residential areas.
"Increased security at official U.S. facilities may lead terrorists and
their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation,
residential areas and public areas where people congregate including
restaurants, hotels, clubs and shopping areas," the warden message said.
[In January, Kuwaiti security forces clashed several times with Al Qaida
insurgents who were said to have planned attacks against U.S. bases. About
40 of them have been held for trial.]
"Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets,"
the statement said.
