Jordan Times
Friday, March 12, 2004
US issues security alert to citizens
AMMAN (JT) — Jordan on Thursday sought to allay concerns over a US embassy announcement about security issues in the Kingdom, saying the country was safe and secure.“National security is a fundamental issue, and our security authorities are taking all precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the country,” Government Spokesperson and Minister of State Asma Khader told The Jordan Times Thursday night.
Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Thursday reported that the American embassy had issued a public announcement urging US citizens in the Kingdom to be “vigilant and remain alert and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.”
According to the US embassy website, there were increasing indications that “terrorists are preparing to strike US interests abroad.”
The site said the announcement was posted at such a time because the embassy was made aware of information that, “in mid-January 2004, unidentified terrorists were possibly planning attacks against hotels in Jordan.”
The message indicated that information obtained did not include details of whether US-owned hotels in specific were being targeted.
“While the embassy has no further information on the timing, method or participants in this possible threat, we continue to urge American citizens residing in or visiting Jordan to maintain a heightened sense of vigilance concerning their personal security,” it added.
AFP said US embassy Press AttachÈ Justin Siberell noted that the warning was part of a constant security review and that it was part of a regular evaluation of the threat environment in Jordan and other countries in the region.
The message, posted on March 10, said terrorist organisations have struck in the Middle East in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and in Europe in Istanbul, Turkey.
It said terrorist actions could include suicide operations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings.
“US government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert, including the US embassy in Amman. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time to assess their security posture,” the announcement said.