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This Public
Announcement is being issued to remind Americans of the
potential for terrorist actions against U.S. citizens abroad,
specifically in the Southeast Asia region. This Public
Announcement expires on May 1, 2003.
In the aftermath
of the terrorist bombings in Bali, Indonesia, the possibility
exists that similar attacks may occur in other Southeast Asian
nations. The Department is concerned that individuals and groups
may be planning terrorist actions against United States citizens
and interests, as well as sites frequented by Westerners.
Extremist groups
present in Southeast Asia have transnational capabilities to
carry out attacks against locations where Westerners congregate.
Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorist
groups and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as
clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, outdoor
recreation events, hotels, resorts and beaches. On October 23,
the United States Government designated the Jemaah Islamiya (JI)
organization a Foreign Terrorist Organization. JI is an
extremist group with cells operating throughout Southeast Asia.
JI members recently arrested in the region have revealed links
with al-Qaeda, other regional terrorist groups, and previous
terrorist attacks in the region.
The Department of
State reminds Americans to remain vigilant with regard to their
personal security and to exercise caution and refers American
citizens to the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement.
U.S. citizens currently in or planning to travel in Southeast
Asia should consult the Department of State’s Public
Announcements, Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets
for Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos,
Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
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