WASHINGTON, 7 May 2003 — The United States yesterday renewed its travel warning for US citizens in the Middle East, saying that despite an easing in tensions since the end of conflict in Iraq, the region remains dangerous and Americans may be targeted by terrorists. “Despite somewhat lessened tensions accompanying the end of major US combat operations in Iraq, there remains a potential threat to US citizens and interests in the region posed by those harboring anti-American sentiments, including the risk of attacks by terrorist groups,” the State Department said.
“Credible information has indicated terrorist groups may be planning attacks against US interests in the Middle East,” it said in a statement that superceded a March 19 alert issued just hours after the Iraq war began. “The US government remains deeply concerned about the security of US citizens overseas,” the department said. “US citizens are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.”
Possible terrorist attacks may include suicide operations, bombings or kidnappings and may employ non-conventional weapons such as chemical or biological agents, it said. As in earlier, similar alerts, the department said targets may include official US facilities, as well as civilian sites such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, hotels, schools, outdoor recreation events, resorts and beaches.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Army chief, Gen. Moshe Yaalon, said yesterday that with peace hopes growing, the worst of the 31-month intifada is over, even as Palestinian attackers killed a Jewish settler and seriously wounded his six-year-old daughter. The hawkish Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon also said there was a new chance to halt one of the country’s most bitter conflicts, but stressed that hope resided more with the army than with the newly released US-backed “road map” for peace.
The Israeli Navy yesterday blew up a Palestinian fishing vessel that had strayed too close to a Jewish settlement on the coast of the Gaza Strip, fearing the boat would be laden with explosives, security sources on both sides said. In another development, the Israeli authorities yesterday closed the crossing from Egypt into the Gaza Strip, citing “security reasons,” an Egyptian official said. The official, who asked not to be named, said the Israelis told their Egyptian counterparts that the Rafah crossing was closed for an “indefinite period.”
The state-run Egyptian news agency MENA said the Israeli decision prevents the passage of people as well as the delivery of food, humanitarian aid and other goods into the Palestinian territory.
