22 December 1999
(Terrorists may be planning attacks in & around New Year period)(410) The State Department late December 21 issued a new Worldwide Caution saying that "the U.S. Government believes that terrorists may be planning to conduct attacks, including against official and non-official Americans, in and around the New Year period (from now through mid-January 2000) with particular emphasis on locations where large groups of people may congregate for millenial or religious festivities. Following is the State Department text: (begin text) PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman WORLDWIDE CAUTION Terrorist Threat December 21, 1999 The U.S. Government believes that terrorists may be planning to conduct attacks including against official and non-official Americans, in and around the New Year period (from now through mid-January 2000) with particular emphasis on locations where large groups of people may congregate for millennial or religious festivities. The Government of Jordan, as it announced, has made several arrests in conjunction with one such possible incident. As a result of the intensive investigative work on this matter, we have learned that possible sites in Jordan may have included hotels, tour buses, and tourist sites. We cannot rule out the possibility that attacks still may be planned for this and other parts of the world. American citizens overseas during the period are urged to review their security practices, to remain vigilant to their surroundings and to exercise caution. American citizens should avoid large crowds and gatherings, keep a low profile, and vary routes and times of all required travel. American citizens traveling or residing abroad should regularly monitor our Consular Information Program Internet website at http://travel.state.gov to obtain the latest information available in our Consular Information Sheets, Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, and regional brochures. We will continue to provide updated information if it becomes available. American citizens overseas may contact the American Citizens Services unit of their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate by telephone or fax for up-to-date information on security conditions. This Public Announcement replaces the December 11, 1999 Worldwide Caution - Terrorist Threat Public Announcement and supplements the November 5, 1999 Worldwide Caution, the October 5, 1999 Worldwide Caution-Khobar Towers, and the November 12, 1999 Worldwide Caution - Taliban Sanctions Public Announcements. It also supplements the Public Announcement for Jordan issued December 15, 1999. This Public Announcement expires on March 9, 2000. (end text) (Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State.)