Warnings of possible Middle East hijackings
November 7, 2003 - 10:42AM
The US State Department updated its warning on travel to the Middle East today to say that ships and planes could be hijacked in the region.
"Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, hijackings or kidnappings. These may also involve commercial aircraft and maritime interests," it said in a public announcement replacing one issued on September 30.
The possible threat to ships and planes covered the whole of the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa, it said.
The State Department has already warned Americans of such threats in East Africa and in Iraq, where the United States is fighting guerrillas opposed to the US occupation.
A State Department official said: "We have a reason for doing this. Without going into details, we have information so we felt we should advise the travelling public."
The warning reminds US citizens that travelling to the Middle East can be dangerous but it does not advise them to stay away from all areas.
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/20...013369912.html