WASHINGTON — The United States has warned of a major attack by Al
Qaida.
The State Department said the Al Qaida strike could take place against
Americans anywhere overseas. The department said Al Qaida has been targeting
Americans in a range of regions.
Termed "Worldwide Caution Public Announcement", the department replaced
a similar announcement dated Sept. 10, 2004 and meant to expire on Sept. 7,
2005. The announcement reminded U.S. citizens of the continuing threat of
terrorist attacks and violence against Americans in public places frequented
by Westerners.
The violence could begin as a licensed protest in the Middle East or
anywhere else, the department said. The announcement cited demonstrations in
countries whose nationals had been executed in Iraq by Sunni insurgents.
"In reaction to the execution of hostages in Iraq, there have been
demonstrations and associated violence in the hostages' country of origin,"
the announcement said. "While Americans are generally not the targets in
such incidents, U.S. citizens could be caught up in the violence. U.S.
citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take
appropriate steps to increase their security awareness."
In Jedda, the U.S. consulate warned of an imminent Al Qaida attack
against Westerners in that Saudi port city. A warden message identified what
it termed an "elevated threat level" as being in the area of the Sierra
Village compound, a 1,000-resident facility used largely by U.S. defense
contractors.
"Official Americans are relocating to an alternate location as a result
of this threat," the March 8 message said. "American citizens living and
working in this area are advised to maintain a heightened level of vigilance
and continue varying times and routes when travelling."
The State Department expressed concern over what it termed "indications"
that Al Qaida and allied groups were preparing to strike U.S. interests
abroad. Such
attacks could involve non-conventional weapons such as chemical or
biological agents as well as conventional bombings.
"Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to assassinations,
hijackings, bombings or kidnappings," the announcement said. "These may
involve aviation and other transportation and maritime interests. Terrorists
do not distinguish between official and civilian targets."
The announcement urged Americans to monitor local news and maintain
contact with the nearest U.S. embassy. The department said U.S. government
facilities remain at a heightened state of alert throughout the world.
"These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from
time to time to assess their security posture," the statement said. "In
those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to
provide emergency services to U.S. citizens."
