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State issues 'Worldwide' warning of Al Qaida attacks on Americans

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Friday, December 16, 2005

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The announcement, released on Dec. 13, superseded a similar warning issued on Aug. 2.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."


Copyright © 2005 East West Services, Inc.

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