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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The State Department has issued a "worldwide caution," warning U.S. citizens and employees of the threat of more terror attacks on the second anniversary of the September 11 attacks, saying there are "increasing indications that al Qaeda is preparing to strike U.S. interests abroad."
The State Department also said the terror network is pursuing actions "more devastating" than the deadly plane hijackings two years ago.
"The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the security of U.S. citizens overseas. U.S. citizens are cautioned to maintain a high level of vigilance, to remain alert and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness," the caution said.
Issued Wednesday, the caution also said U.S. government facilities "remain at a heightened state of alert" and "may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time to assess their security posture."
The caution said that over the last few months, al Qaeda and its "associated organizations" hit targets in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Casablanca, Morocco; and Indonesia.
"We, therefore, assess that European or Eurasian locations could be venues for the next round of attacks, possibly to closely coincide with the anniversary of the 11 September attack."
Al Qaeda, the caution states, "will strive for new attacks that will be more devastating than the September 11 attack, possibly involving nonconventional weapons such as chemical or biological agents. We also cannot rule out the potential for Al Qaeda to attempt a second catastrophic attack within the U.S."
It said the tactics could include "suicide operations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may also involve commercial aircraft and threats to include conventional weapons, such as explosive devices."
Civilian as well as official targets could be threatened.
"These may include facilities where American citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches. U.S. citizens should remain in a heightened state of personal security awareness when attendance at such locations is unavoidable."
The caution supersedes an earlier one issued July 29 and expires on February 10.
The State Department also said the terror network is pursuing actions "more devastating" than the deadly plane hijackings two years ago.
"The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the security of U.S. citizens overseas. U.S. citizens are cautioned to maintain a high level of vigilance, to remain alert and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness," the caution said.
Issued Wednesday, the caution also said U.S. government facilities "remain at a heightened state of alert" and "may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time to assess their security posture."
The caution said that over the last few months, al Qaeda and its "associated organizations" hit targets in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Casablanca, Morocco; and Indonesia.
"We, therefore, assess that European or Eurasian locations could be venues for the next round of attacks, possibly to closely coincide with the anniversary of the 11 September attack."
Al Qaeda, the caution states, "will strive for new attacks that will be more devastating than the September 11 attack, possibly involving nonconventional weapons such as chemical or biological agents. We also cannot rule out the potential for Al Qaeda to attempt a second catastrophic attack within the U.S."
It said the tactics could include "suicide operations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may also involve commercial aircraft and threats to include conventional weapons, such as explosive devices."
Civilian as well as official targets could be threatened.
"These may include facilities where American citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches. U.S. citizens should remain in a heightened state of personal security awareness when attendance at such locations is unavoidable."
The caution supersedes an earlier one issued July 29 and expires on February 10.
And what exactly do they mean by "attendance at such locations is unavoidable"? Are we supposed to attempt as much as we can not to go to school or church? Cause I live at school...that's pretty unavoidable.
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