US warns of possible attacks in New Delhi

INDIA: The United States upgraded Wednesday a travel advisory on India, alerting US citizens to a growing threat of terrorist attacks in the capital New Delhi. The warning posted on the US embassy website specifically highlighted the dangers posed by crowded areas which foreigners are known to frequent.

“There are increased indications that terrorists are planning attacks in New Delhi,” the alert said.

“Terrorists have targeted places in the past where US citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit,” it said, naming half-a-dozen of the city’s shopping areas and markets which it described as “especially attractive targets.”

“Americans travelling or residing in India are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance for terrorist groups,” it added.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said the upgraded travel advisory was in response to “specific concerns” but declined to elaborate on the threats. “We are very mindful of the fact that in the attacks in Mumbai, Americans died and Indians died, and citizens of other countries as well,” Crowley told reporters.

“So it was just a prudent warning... to our citizens, as they continue their business in the country,” he said. The alert was an upgrade to an existing advisory issued on April 16, that contained a general warning about possible attacks in India. In February, a bomb ripped through a crowded restaurant popular with travellers in the western city of Pune, killing 16 people, including five foreigners. NEW DELHI, Thursday, AFP