US issues worldwide alert for its citizens post France attacks

Washington, Jan 10: In view of the horrific terrorist attacks in France, the US has issued a caution for its citizens worldwide, including in India, saying attacks against Americans are becoming increasingly prevalent.

"Recent terrorist attacks, whether by those affiliated with terrorist entities, copycats, or individual perpetrators, serve as a reminder that US citizens need to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness," the State Department said.

Giving details of the threats that the US assets and Americans face worldwide, State Department said India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect US citizens directly or indirectly.

"Anti-Western terrorist groups active in India include Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba," it said, adding that it remains concerned about the continued threat of terror attacks, demonstrations, and other violence against US citizens and interests overseas.

"Past attacks have targeted public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas. Attacks have taken place during the busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places, but could occur at any time," the statement said.

US govt continues to receive information that terrorist groups in South Asia

The US government continues to receive information that terrorist groups in South Asia may be planning attacks in the region, possibly against US government facilities, its citizens, or US interests, it said.

The presence of Al-Qaeda, Taliban elements, LeT, indigenous sectarian groups, and other terror organisations, many of which are on the US government's list of designated Foreign Terrorist Organisations, poses a potential danger to US citizens in the region.

Terrorists and their sympathisers have demonstrated their willingness and ability to attack locations where US citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. It said the presence of several foreign and indigenous terrorist groups poses a danger to US citizens throughout Pakistan.

No province in Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence and crime, and a strong possibility exists throughout the country for hostile acts, either targeted or random, against US and other foreign nationals at any time, it added.

PTI