US Warns of Possible Mideast and N.Africa Attacks
KUWAIT (Reuters) - The United States has warned of possible militant attacks on its interests in the Middle East and North Africa and urged Americans there to be vigilant, the U.S. embassy in Kuwait said on Saturday.
``Credible information has indicated terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa,'' the U.S. embassy in Kuwait said in a statement dated December 15 and posted on its Web site on Saturday.
Earlier this month, Kuwait said it has beefed up security around vital oil and other installations after a recent al Qaeda threat to attack oil facilities in Gulf Arab states, which supply about a fifth of global energy needs.
The U.S. embassy said increased security at official U.S. facilities ``has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets.''
The deadly November bombings against three Western hotels in Jordan ``underscore the desire of terrorist entities to target facilities perceived to cater to Westerners,'' the message added.
``The Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region,'' the note said. ``Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation and maritime interests.''
The Department of State is concerned that attacks may target Westerners and oil workers, the note said, adding that hotels, housing areas and rental car facilities could be being watched.
``Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests,'' it said.
Some 12,500 Americans are registered with the diplomatic mission in Kuwait where up to 25,000 U.S. servicemen are stationed. Kuwait was the launch pad for the 2003 U.S.-led war in Iraq that toppled Saddam Hussein.
Kuwaiti authorities have since last year cracked down on Islamist militants. A local court is expected to issue its ruling later this month in the trial of 37 Islamists charged with links to al Qaeda violence in Kuwait and prosecutors have demanded the death penalty for more than half of them.
``Credible information has indicated terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa,'' the U.S. embassy in Kuwait said in a statement dated December 15 and posted on its Web site on Saturday.
Earlier this month, Kuwait said it has beefed up security around vital oil and other installations after a recent al Qaeda threat to attack oil facilities in Gulf Arab states, which supply about a fifth of global energy needs.
The U.S. embassy said increased security at official U.S. facilities ``has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets.''
The deadly November bombings against three Western hotels in Jordan ``underscore the desire of terrorist entities to target facilities perceived to cater to Westerners,'' the message added.
``The Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region,'' the note said. ``Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation and maritime interests.''
The Department of State is concerned that attacks may target Westerners and oil workers, the note said, adding that hotels, housing areas and rental car facilities could be being watched.
``Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests,'' it said.
Some 12,500 Americans are registered with the diplomatic mission in Kuwait where up to 25,000 U.S. servicemen are stationed. Kuwait was the launch pad for the 2003 U.S.-led war in Iraq that toppled Saddam Hussein.
Kuwaiti authorities have since last year cracked down on Islamist militants. A local court is expected to issue its ruling later this month in the trial of 37 Islamists charged with links to al Qaeda violence in Kuwait and prosecutors have demanded the death penalty for more than half of them.
posted by Marko at 12/17/2005 10:54:00 AM
<< Home