Washington, May 2: The United States has put out a worldwide alert asking its embassies and organisations to be on alert for possible reprisals from al-Qaeda operatives and sympathisers after killing of Osama bin Laden.
The US State Department put a worldwide alert shortly after President Barack Obama announced bin Laden’s death.
Simultaneously, the global police agency Interpol also called for increased security measures, warning that the death of bin Laden could provoke reprisal attacks around the world.
Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble urged “extra vigilance” from “law enforcement authorities to a heightened terror risk from Al-Qaeda affiliated or Al-Qaeda inspired groups as a result of Bin Laden’s death.”
These warnings come in the wake of threats by Al-Qaeda to unleash a “nuclear hellstorm” on the West if their leader bin Laden is nabbed or killed.
In the wake of this operation, there may be a heightened threat to the homeland and to US citizens and facilities abroad, a senior Administration official said.
“Al-Qaeda operatives and sympathizers may try to respond violently to avenge bin Laden’s death, and other terrorist leaders may try to accelerate their efforts to strike the United States,” the official said.
But the US is taking every possible precaution to protect Americans here at home and overseas.
The worldwide travel alert has also been made for its citizens, especially those living in Pakistan.
“The US Department of State alerts US citizens travelling and residing abroad to the enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent activity in Pakistan,” the travel alert said.
Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, US citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations, the alert said.
US citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times, the travel alert said.
The State Department said the US Embassy operations in affected areas will continue to the extent possible under the constraints of any evolving security situation.
“US government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture,” it said.

SECURITY STRENGTHENED AROUND US EMBASSY
Meanwhile, security was strengthened around the US Embassy and nearby areas in the city’s diplomatic enclave following the killing of Osama bin Laden.
“Additional police personnel have been deployed and patrolling has been intensified around the US Embassy after the incident,” a senior police official said.
Security has also been stepped up in nearby areas in the diplomatic enclave of Chanakya Puri in south Delhi, he said.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 2 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 2 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 3 May 2011 00:00:00 IST