State Department warns Americans in Kuwait of possible terrorist attacks

Friday, December 24th 2004, 6:06 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ The State Department said Thursday it has information that terrorist groups are developing plans for possible attacks in Kuwait in the near future, reminding Americans in the small Persian Gulf nation to be careful.

The department urged U.S. citizens in the country, which borders Iraq and Saudi Arabia, to keep a low profile and ``avoid areas where Westerners are known to congregate.''

The warning did not specify places in Kuwait the terrorist groups may be planning to attack, but it did note that tougher security at U.S. facilities may encourage terrorists to go after easier targets such as restaurants, hotels, clubs, shopping areas, public transportation, residential areas and oil-related facilities and personnel.

The State Department advised Americans to report unusual or suspicious activity to the Kuwaiti police or the U.S. embassy.

In the past three years, American troops, and U.S. civilians contracted to the military, have been targeted by Islamic extremists who oppose their presence in Kuwait, a staunch U.S. ally. One Marine and one civilian contractor have been killed in the attacks.