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The United States issued a new worldwide warning to US citizens abroad Thursday, alerting them to a "heightened threat" of terrorist attacks, including those using chemical and biological weapons.

The State Department said it was issuing the new warning "to remind US 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 non-conventional weapons."

In addition, it urged Americans to avoid all demonstrations overseas and called for them to be prepared for emergency evacuations, a subject first raised in late January.

The warning superceded an earlier alert dating from November that had noted possible attempts to kidnap US citizens abroad by terrorists, including those affilated with Islamist militant leader Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network.

While the November 20 "worldwide caution" focused on abductions, Thursday's warning appeared aimed at what the department said was a "growing threat" from biological and chemical weapons.

"While conventional weapons such as explosive devices pose a more immediate threat in many areas overseas, terrorist use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents must be considered a growing threat," it said.

The statement did not mention any specific new information about possible threats but it was released amid fears the apparently increasing chances of a US-led war on Iraq could spark a new round of terrorist attacks.

It also came a day after Secretary of State Colin Powell warned the UN Security Council that Iraq is pursuing chemical and biological weapons programs and might share such arms with terrorists.

And, the alert follows a series of arrests in Europe of people suspected of planning chemical attacks.

Amid rising anti-American sentiment around the globe due in part to the possibility of conflict, Thursday's State Department warning said US citizens to steer clear of all demonstrations.

"Demonstrations in many parts of the world may have an anti-American character," it said. "Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn into confrontational situations and possibly escalate into violence.

"US citizens traveling or residing abroad should avoid demonstrations and take commonsense precautions."

The department also repeated longstanding warnings about terrorists looking for so-called "softer targets" that are less well protected than official US buildings and personnel.

"These may include facilities where Americans or possibly other foreigners are generally known to congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches," it said.

"Americans should increase their security awareness when they are at such locations, avoid them, or switch to other locations where Americans in large numbers generally do not congregate."

Thursday's warning was the latest in a string of State Department terror alerts and came less than two weeks after it instructed US embassies and consulates to advise expatriates to be ready to leave their homes abroad on short notice.

On January 24, the department told its embassies to give US citizens "general steps" to follow to be prepared "for an emergency, whether it is a personal emergency or is the result of serious political or economic unrest, natural disaster or terrorist attack."

Those steps include instructions to maintain a supply of needed prescription drugs, ensure that passports and other documents are valid and keep adequate food supplies.

It noted that in the past year, the department had been forced to assist US citizens leave such countries as the Central African Republic, Indonesia, Israel, Ivory Coast and Venezuela. 

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