Aussies warned of global terror at Xmas

CANBERRA, Australia, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Australians overseas have been warned that terrorists are planning to kidnap Westerners.

The warning also states that terror groups may launch attacks around the world during the Christmas and New Year period. Countries named in the warnings include Indonesia, Israel, Spain and Britain, as intelligence agencies gather information about the threat of imminent attacks, The Australian newspaper reported Saturday.

Specific warnings have been issued for Australians traveling to Indonesia and its holiday island of Bali, with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade cautioning that intelligence reports suggest churches are a serious potential target.

There have also been alerts about memorial services in Thailand for victims of last year's Boxing Day tsunami. Australian travelers have been advised to use a "high degree of caution," the paper said.

"We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners," DFAT has warned.