http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/aponline/19991211/aponline183316_000.htm

Warning of Terrorist Attacks Issued

By Barry Schweid

AP Diplomatic Writer

Saturday, Dec. 11, 1999; 6:33 p.m. EST

WASHINGTON  Americans around the world were warned Saturday by the State Department that there is "credible evidence" terrorists could strike at large holiday gatherings.

A worldwide caution issued by the department told U.S. citizens abroad to avoid large crowds and gatherings and to keep a low profile.

The statement gave no details of the evidence and did not reveal which group may be the cause of the warning.

But a senior U.S. official told The Associated Press that the threat was linked to Osama bin Laden, who the U.S. government believes is the head of a terrorist network and is accused of involvement in the bombings last year of U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.

The Saudi-born bin Laden is believed to have been given sanctuary by the militant Islamic Taliban group in Afghanistan.

"The U.S. government has credible information that terrorists are planning attacks specifically targeting American citizens during the period of time leading up to and through the beginning of the New Year and Ramadan events and celebrations," the announcement said.

"The information indicates that attacks could be planned for locations throughout the world where large gatherings and celebrations will be taking place."

It said Americans "traveling or residing abroad during the period are urged to review their security practices, to remain alert to the changing situation 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."

Similar warnings of potential terrorist threats were issued by the State Department in October and twice in November. Such warnings, which have intensified with the emergence of bin Laden as an alleged terrorist mastermind, frequently have been issued in the past in conjunction with the start of Ramadan.

James P. Foley, deputy State Department spokesman, said "we have no specific information at this time that the threat is directed at American citizens here at home."

But Foley stressed, without elaboration, that the department had specific information that terrorist attacks are being planned.

Although warnings are issued on what one official called a "fairly regular" basis, officials say they have an obligation to issue such alerts when they are aware of specific and credible threats.

) Copyright 1999 The Associated Press

-- Uncle Bob (UNCLB0B@AOL.COM), December 11, 1999

Answers

Will Smith will be in Washington singing his new y2k song along with other notables---Speilberg,Clintons.

This will be vetty-vetty interesting----but stupid!!!!

-- d----- (dciinc@aol.com), December 11, 1999.

Is somebody listening to Ed Dames after all?

-- (Kurt.Borzel@gems8.gov.bc.ca), December 11, 1999.

Rumor has it that Osma Ben Laden has loaded up his camel caravan and is heading our direction,this report I give the same credence as the reports that Santa is headed our way also!

-- anything to pass the buck (don'teatthemapplesgranny@theyarehorseshit.com), December 11, 1999.

Well, I didn't see the episode of "Laugh In" that Bin Laden was in but I did hear what Ed (Dr. Doom) had to say...Don't know if he really has any veracity but this ain't a difficult call. What did he say? Something about RPGs and automatic weapons at a sporting event in December...

As for Mr./Ms. "It can't happen here", well, I'll be extremely happy if you're right. Frankly though, I haven't believed in S. Claus for some years now, but I know that terrorist slime Bin Laden exists and he's suspected to be in possesion of both small nukes and biologicals. Hope is an expensive commodity "canthappen". I'm making my last trip to anywhere near a big city tomorrow and won't go back until Febuary. Best defense against terrs is to "Don't be there...".

-- Don Kulha (dkulha@vom.com), December 11, 1999.

ANYTHING: Sorry to disappoint, but Santa will NOT be flying anywhere this year.

I saw on a TV ad for AGF mutual funds that Santa was giving his retirement speech, having made millions in said funds, what with the New Era upon us where EVERYONE retires wealthy!

Don't know if this is a world-wide group of funds--you may not see it in the US.

One more nail in the coffin that proves that this AGE, very similar to Mark Twain's "Gilded Age" of a century ago, is about to come to a screeching halt. I myself am 15 years from "retirement", and I KNOW I will not get to retire when(if) I reach that age.

Note that it does NOT necessarily have to be Y2K that will do it--the tremendous hyper-extended wave that has built up has GUARANTEED an unstable end.

-- profit of doom (doom@helltopay.ca), December 11, 1999.

1) I, for one, do not plan to attend any large gatherings over the holidays, especially one on the Washington, D.C. Mall! Come to think of it, with sufficient negative publicity for large gatherings, that "party" could be the biggest non-event of Y2K! I almost feel sorry for the "hostess" who is giving a party to which almost no one will come.

2) If you were a terrorist wanting to make a statement...would YOU consider hitting the Washington, D.C. event? (Times Square in NYC would be one other obvious event to hit, as would a smaller gathering of "in folks" in South Carolina...)

3) It's probably a better idea to stay home, go to a small party, or go to church for an all night prayer vigil this new year's eve...

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), December 12, 1999.

I'm still really really pissed off that Will Smith stole the song "Rock the Kazbah" for his stupid millenium song. Does that man have a creative bone in his body? WHY does he find it necessary to lift other people's songs and just change the words. HATEHIM!!!! (That is one of my favorite songs from the early '80's....ah, high school)

Very little true talent being nurtured in the world anymore.

GRRRR.

Rant mode OFF.

-- preparing (preparing@home.com), December 12, 1999.