US urges caution in travel to Zimbabwe

WASHINGTON, July 13 (Reuters) The US State Department has warned US citizens of the risks of going to Zimbabwe where ''state-sponsored violence'' and a government crackdown have raised security concerns.

''American citizens in Zimbabwe should minimize travel within the country and to the extent practicable, avoid public places and gatherings,'' the State Department said in a public announcement yesterday.

''In light of the current circumstances, US citizens are advised to consider the risks before traveling to Zimbabwe at this time,'' it added.

Visitors should also be prepared for food shortages caused by sharp price cuts which had led to panic buying.

Faced with inflation of 4,500 percent, Zimbabwe's government ordered businesses last month to roll back and freeze prices of break, milk, cooking oil and other key consumer items after a sharp increase in their prices.

The move pushed the economically blighted southern African nation closer to breaking point and resulted in a crackdown against businesses that have failed to heed the measures.

''In response to growing public protests against deteriorating conditions, the Zimbabwe government continues to authorize its security forces to suppress all dissent by whatever means deemed necessary,'' the State Department said.

It accused political leaders ''at the highest levels'' -- a reference to President Robert Mugabe -- of condoning the use of violence by security forces against anyone seen as an opponent of the government.

Of particular concern was the use of youth militia known as ''Green Bombers'' who committed the worst offenses and were often under the influence of drugs, the statement said.

''While heavily populated urban areas remain the focal point for the government's crackdown, the US Embassy has received reports of indiscriminate state-sponsored violence in rural areas, including tourist, hunting and safari areas,'' said the announcement.

REUTERS PDS BST0446