U.S. citizens urged to stay vigilant

The United States has urged its citizens worldwide to remain vigilant and reminded them of the continuing threat of terrorist actions that may target civilians, saying the scheduled November 14 execution of a convicted Pakistani national in Virginia may trigger retaliatory attacks against American interests overseas.

The warning, posted on the website of the U.S. embassy in Bahrain and dated November 12, expires on May 7, 2003.

It says Virginia today is scheduled to execute Mir Ahmad Kasi, a Pakistani national, who was convicted in 1997 of the 1993 murders of two CIA employees. "The potential exists for retaliatory acts against U.S. or other foreign interests in response to the execution," it warned.

"The U.S. government continues to receive credible indications that extremist groups and individuals are planning additional terrorist actions against U.S. interests. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations.

"We remind American citizens to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution," it said.

The statement warned that "terrorists and their sympathisers" may seek "softer targets that include facilities where Americans or possibly other foreigners are generally known to congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches."

The last public warning was issued on November 5. It warned Americans of the potential for further terrorist actions against U.S. citizens abroad, specifically in the Middle East, including the Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa.