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In the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Kenya that specifically targeted foreigners, the US has issued for its citizens worldwide, including in India, a caution stating terrorist outfits like al-Qaeda, the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Taiba are engaged in parlous activities.
“Current information suggests that al-Qaeda, its affiliated organisations, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against US interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East,” the State Department said.
It said that these attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings.
The extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests, it cautioned.
Anti-Western terrorist groups, some of which are on the US government’s list of designated Foreign Terrorist Organisations, have been active in India, including Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat—ul—Jihad—i—Islami, Harakat ul—Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish—e—Mohammed, and the Pakistan—based Lashkar—e—Taiba, the State Department said.
“Terrorists have targeted public places in India frequented by Westerners, including luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas,” it said.
On South Asia, it said the US government continues to receive information that terrorist groups in the region may also be planning attacks in the region, possibly against US government facilities, its citizens, or its interests.
“The presence of al-Qaeda, Taliban elements, Lashkar-e-Taiba, indigenous sectarian groups, and other terror organisations, many of which are on the US government’s list of designated Foreign Terrorist Organisations, poses a potential danger to US citizens in the region,” the world wide caution said.
In Pakistan a number of extremist groups continue to target US and other Western citizens and interests, and Pakistani government and military/law enforcement personnel.
Suicide bombing attacks continue to occur throughout the country on a regular basis, often targeting government authorities such as police checkpoints and military installations, as well as public areas such as mosques, and shopping areas.
US citizens are increasingly targeted for kidnapping, it said.
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