WASHINGTON — The United States has again warned of plans by Al
Qaida to attack Americans in the Middle East.
The State Department has issued a so-called Worldwide Caution that
warned of an Al Qaida attack in such regions as Africa, Asia, Europe and the
Middle East. The department said its warning was based on information that
Al Qaida and aligned groups could be planning assassinations, kidnappings,
hijackings and bombings.
The announcement, released on Dec. 13, superseded a similar warning
issued on Aug. 2. The worldwide caution was meant to expire on June 12,
2006, Middle East Newsline reported.
"The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of
terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S.
citizens and interests overseas," the announcement said. "Ongoing events in
Iraq have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several
countries. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur
with little or no warning."
The warning said Al Qaida could use either conventional or
non-conventional weapons and focus on so-called soft targets. The
State Department, reporting a heightened alert by U.S. embassies and
consulates, cited the suicide bombings in four hotels in the Jordanian
capital of Amman in November 2005.
"In the wake of the July 2005 London bombings and the March 2004 train
attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to
attack public transportation systems," the announcement said. "In addition,
extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible
targets."