Posted on 03/24/2005 9:46:21 PM PST by Doofer
US warns of 'multiple' terror attacks in the Philippines
WASHINGTON -- Al Qaeda-linked groups and the radical arm of the biggest Muslim rebel organization in the Philippines are planning to stage "multiple" attacks through the archipelago, the United States warned Wednesday.
The warning was issued by the State Department, which advised Americans to "consider carefully the risks of travel to the Philippines."
The travel warning said: "Terrorist groups, including Jemaah Islamiyah and the Abu Sayyaf Group, and radical elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front are planning multiple attacks throughout the Philippines."
The Abu Sayyaf is a kidnap-for-ransom gang based in the southern Philippines, and the Jemaah Islamiyah is the Southeast Asian chapter of the Al Qaeda terror group headed by Osama bin laden.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is the largest Islamic guerrilla force in the Philippines fighting for a separate state in the country's south.
The Philippine military announced it had foiled a plot by the Abu Sayyaf group to bomb "soft targets" in Manila during the Easter break as thousands of Filipinos returned to their home provinces in the Roman Catholic nation.
More than 10,000 police have been deployed throughout the capital mainly at bus, sea and air terminals, Manila's police chief Avelino Razon had said.
The State Department urged Americans traveling to the Philippines to be vigilant and be aware of the potential for terrorist attacks against them. They were urged to register with the US Embassy.
"The Department warns against all but essential travel throughout the country in light of a heightened threat to Westerners," it said.
There has recently been an increase in bombings in Manila, the southern region of Mindanao, and other areas where terrorist groups are active, the travel warning said.
"Travelers should be aware that since security has increased at official US facilities, terrorists could seek softer targets," it said.
I'll Be there in April. Hope everything will be ok.
Gimme a holler when u get here - In Angeles City (if you're gonna be this way.)
BTTT
I was in General Santos City and Cotabato not that long ago. I think Sayyaf might be going for a spectacular hit outside of Mindanao, and I just hope the PNP can get them before they do.
The Abbu Sayyaf was spanked pretty hard last month on Jolo. I don't think they're going to be willing to do that again.
"I think Sayyaf might be going for a spectacular hit outside of Mindanao, and I just hope the PNP can get them before they do."
From your mouth to God's ear.
Long time lucianne poster, huh? Me too.
Moro(n) Islamic Liberation Front Ping!
LOL! Attack of the MILF! :D Thanks for the laugh! Needed that after all the gloomy theads of late. :P
I hope Happy2bMe comes back here. :^(
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