March 20, 2002	Wednesday	Muharram 5, 1423

PARIS, March 19: The US Embassy in Paris has issued a WorldWide Caution public announcement in the wake of last weekend’s bombing in Islamabad.

According to the Public Announcement, issued by the Office of the Spokesman for the US Department of State, the US Government says it continues to receive “credible reports” according to which “extremist individuals” are planning additional terrorist actions against US interests.

“Such actions,” says the statement, “may be imminent and include suicide operations. We have no further information on specific targets, timing or method of attack.

“We remind American citizens to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution.

According to the statement, which makes reference to this weekend’s bombing in Islamabad, “terrorist groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. The March 17 attack on worshippers at the Protestant International Church in Islamabad underlines the growing possibility that as security is increased at official US facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers will seek softer targets.”

“These may include facilities where Americans are generally known to congregate or visit, such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools or outdoor recreation events. Americans should increase their security awareness when they are at such locations, avoid them, or switch to other locations where Americans in large numbers generally do not congregate.

“American citizens may be targeted for kidnapping. In late January 2002, an American journalist was kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan.”