DATE=10/23/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S MILITARY/THREAT (S ONLY)

BYLINE= ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

INTERNET=YES

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S forces at three locations in the Middle East region have been placed on alert because of new terrorist threats. More from V-O-A Pentagon Correspondent Alex Belida.

TEXT: Defense officials say the high alert applies to U-S forces in southern Turkey and in the Persian Gulf states of Bahrain and Qatar.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say the terrorist threats were specific. But they decline to give more details.

One official characterizes the move as precautionary. He says given the terrorist attack on the U-S destroyer Cole in Yemen earlier this month, the alert is considered prudent.

Seventeen U-S sailors died in the attack on the Cole while it was making a brief refueling stop in Aden harbor. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/FC