April 29th, 2004 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. issued a new worldwide alert for its citizens, citing an increased threat of terrorist attacks against U.S, interests. ``The Department of State is deeply concerned about the heightened threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad,’’ the Department said in an e-mailed statement. There are indications the al-Qaeda network ``continues to prepare to strike U.S. interests abroad.’’
The alert supercedes a worldwide caution issued in March, the State Department said. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, hijackings and attacks against aviation and maritime targets, the statement said.
An audiotape, purportedly from al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, broadcast earlier this month offered ``reconciliation’’ with European nations provided they stay out of Muslim affairs. The speaker said the U.S. and Israel remained targets. The tape was aired by the al-Arabiya television network.
The State Department earlier this week issued a travel alert for Israel and the Gaza Strip, citing threats by Hamas to attack U.S. interests after Israel’s killing of two leaders, Abdel Aziz Rantisi and Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the founder of the group. |