The United States issued a worldwide caution Tuesday warning that al-Qaida was plotting strikes in many regions, and urging its nationals to maintain a "high level of vigilance."
The State Department anticipates "enhanced potential for anti-American violence given the death of Osama bin Laden in May 2011," said the statement, which replaced an earlier caution version issued Jan 31.
"Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
"These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings," the statement warned.
Likely targets included "high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants" as well as places of worship and schools.
As such Americans "are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness," the State Department said.
In addition, "credible information" suggests U.S. interests are being targeted in the Middle East and North Africa, the statement warned.
"Security threat levels remain high in Yemen due to terrorist activities there," the statement added, noting Libya also remained "volatile and dangerous and the threat of violent military and terrorist operations remains high, even in opposition-controlled areas."
The State Department also warned against sea travel in the Horn of Africa or the southern Red Sea due to "a notable increase in armed attacks, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom by pirates."
Despite what the State Department painted as significant risks in multiple regions, the new U.S. defense chief Leon Panetta said earlier this month that the "strategic defeat" of al-Qaida is "within reach," on a visit to Afghanistan.
© 2011 Agence France-Presse
22 Comments
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Raymasaki
anyone refering to alqaida as a (Boogeyman) like they don't exist is BLIND! many attacks have been stopped. but its always difficult to stop people who are willing to kill themselves in crowds of people. its a WORLD wide issue & Every country is doing something & everything they can to STOP Terrorism. denying & doubting that Terrorism is real isn't gonna make it go away.
steve@CPFC
What kind of idiots would live their lives gripped by fear because America says life is dangerous?
Teachmeteachyou
I'm really not sure what I'm supposed to be scared of any more, but at least it's safe to stay at home and hide under a table, just so long as no-one switches off my wi-fi!
hoipolloi
TrentonGaijin:
The Al-Qaida boogeyman is everywhere! But not to worry, Captain America is here to save the day!
Is there no way to stop this endless creation of enemies for the purpose of spending and profiting off of defense resources and controlling resources?
hoipolloi
Breitbart:
Call me dumb and impractical but even if I had the money and the infrastructure available to make an investment on it, I could not in good conscience profit from the invasion of privacy of Americans and anyone who flies in and out of the US. This is coming from someone who isn't even American.
miyazawa3
Always Al Quaida misguided US , Also US had very wrong assumptions on Al Quida,
BreitbartVictorious
Good point. Soros invested heavily in scanners just before Obama greatly expanded the role TSA would have in 'providing' security. Did you invest ?
some14some
It's safe so long US alert is there...pls do not lift.
SuperLib
Well, they could take the Norway approach....
miyazawa3
It is very difficult to find out now Who are the terrorists, They were not as bearded Eastern or Asian Origin men , they are also not as Muslims... They are clean shaven, they are white, beautiful and handsome ... I am confused.
TrentonGaijin
"al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East."
"These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings.”
"Likely targets included 'high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants' as well as places of worship and schools."
Yep, that about covers it.... Looks like I can't do anything anywhere without worrying about an attack....
Badsey
We must all be watchful of CIA/Al-Qaida ---> these terrorists could be in your country just like in Libya.
And be careful of Libs changing their FaceBook page to Christian -while they are in jail. What about the second gunman in that incident? And police asking the gunman by name to surrender while he is shooting people.
Smokeyfuse
Stick & stone don't work lol.
manta60
defense chief Leon Panetta said earlier this month that the “strategic defeat” of al-Qaida is “within reach,” < Hahahahahahahaha.
chewitup
Oh dear! Time to stock up on duct tape and batteries! Again!
hoipolloi
@Serrano
Defense contractors and their benefactors would beg to differ.
Serrano
"plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions"
This is all a waste of time and resources. The U.S. is about to collapse under the weight of its massive debt anyway.
ExportExpert
I hope NZ Authorities are on high alert with the rugby world cup coming up soon, specially with quite a large muslim population there now.
You can bet there will be some trouble making religous zealots amongst them.
nandakandamanda
You speak true words, Christina.
Christina O'Neill
Pity the US had no intelligence warnings concerning some Christian fundamentalists, bigots are bigots regardless of religion or culture
nandakandamanda
No comment.
...apart from, what set this off?
Half-yearly assessment?
Or the Brit that was blown up in his car in Yemen the other day?