Albright Warns Americans Of New Year Terrorism

US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has warned Americans travelling abroad to be on the alert for possible terrorist attacks over the New Year holiday period.

Albright said terrorist threats on Americans had been posed by a number of groups and has issued an advisory to all American nationals abroad to be extra vigilant from the start of the New Year and the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan which began last week.

Citing "credible information that terrorists are planning attacks" on US citizens, the State Department said it was in possession of information that indicated terrorist attcks could take place in “locations throughout the world where large gatherings and celebrations will be taking place”.

Albright told CBS nEws there were a number of organisations the US was watching closely and that she was particularly concerned about the actions of wealthy Saudi terrorsist Osama Bin Laden. "But there are a variety of groups that we have been concerned about and are watching. And we are concerned, there's no question about it, and we have to be vigilant, which is why we put out the warning."

Albright confirmed she had evidence of a terrorist threat against US citizens posed by more than one group.

"I think we are concerned, obviously because there are a lot of activities going on and I think there are more specific indications [of possible terrorist threats]," she said.

Albright said the warning applied specifically to Americans overseas, not domestically. "I think we always have to be vigilant, but the warning that we put out was for Americans aboard and it is not something that, as we see it, is targeted against Americans here," she said.
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"We believe we have an obligation to let the American people know when there are potential terrorist threats. And we are concerned about Americans travelling aboard and being in large groups. And we are suggesting that if they do travel aboard, that they be in touch with the American embassy and the consulate and take care."

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