State Department Issues 'Worldwide Caution'
U.S. has credible evidence terrorist violence imminent, warns Americans

July 1, 2002

WASHINGTON (AP) - The State Department on Monday warned Americans traveling abroad to avoid clubs, restaurants, schools or outdoor sporting events where fellow Americans gather because terrorists could choose them as target.

In a bulletin labeled a "worldwide caution," the department said the U.S. government has credible evidence that terrorist violence is imminent and could include suicide attacks. No specific target, timing or method is known to U.S. officials, it added.

"Recent attacks on worshippers at a church and synagogue underline the growing possibility that as security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers will seek softer targets," the announcement said.

Americans were urged to be more aware of their security while in crowds, avoid them or find other places that don't attract many Americans.

The State Department issued a similar caution on March 17, after five people, including two Americans, died in a grenade attack on a Protestant church in Pakistan. The statement Monday extends the caution to Oct. 1.

On the home front, the FBI ( news - web sites) will protect major July Fourth parades and festivities as a precaution against a terrorist attack, U.S. officials say.

Although there is no known specific threat, the interrogation of detainees at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, revealed a general interest in Independence Day as a possible target, U.S. officials say.

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