WASHINGTON – The State Department yesterday issued a “worldwide caution” for all Americans – specifically warning against the possibility of chemical and biological attacks.
“It is being issued to remind U.S. citizens of the need to remain vigilant due to a heightened threat of terrorist actions that may target civilians, including the possibility of attacks by nonconventional weapons,” the alert said.
The warning said Americans could be targeted for biological or chemical attacks.
“U.S. citizens and interests are at a heightened risk of terrorist attacks, including by groups with links to alQaeda. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, assassinations or kidnappings,” the alert said.
It also said every American is considered fair game because the terrorists aren’t distinguishing between officials and civilians.
In the past week, specific alerts have gone out to Americans traveling in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Algeria – areas where Muslim extremists have been active. But yesterday’s warning was issued worldwide.
The alert came out as President Bush pushed for a showdown with Saddam Hussein, a move that counterterrorism officials say could spark terror strikes on Americans.
Officials say a large volume of threatening, non-specific intercepts caused the heightened threat.
Other factors are the potentially looming war in Iraq and the upcoming mass Muslim pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia.
Counterterrorism officials also say there’s a heightened threat of a terrorism attack inside the United States and are keeping a close eye on suspected terror cells.