US warns citizens of terror strike during CWG
By IANSWednesday, September 1, 2010
WASHINGTON - The US has warned its citizens travelling to or residing in India during the upcoming Commonwealth Games of a threat of “terrorist action and violence” and asked them to “take care when travelling within Delhi”.
“The US Mission in India alerts US citizens travelling to or residing in India to safety and security issues related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in New Delhi,” a statement by the US State Department said Wednesday.
The Games will be held Oct 3-14 in Delhi.
The statement warned of a “worldwide caution” regarding the threat of terrorist actions and violence against US citizens and interests.
It, however, stated that the US government has no information on any specific threat of attack that any individual or group is planning to coincide with the Games.
The US asked all its citizens planning on travelling to India during the Games to be up-to-date with the travel alerts or security warnings issued by the State Department.
American citizens were advised to monitor local news reports and think about their security when visiting public places, including religious sites, or while choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues.
They were also advised to take care when travelling within Delhi.
“Special care should be taken when using public transportation or driving at night,” it said.
It asked all US citizens “to be on guard against petty crime, pickpockets, and the theft of personal property on trains or buses”.
Tourists were asked to be on alert at airports, train stations and tourist sites and be aware of “scam artists looking to prey on visitors”.
The citizens were asked to enroll with the nearest US embassy or consulate through the State Department’s travel website.
In case of any emergency, citizens have been asked to call up the US embassy in New Delhi, the US consulate general in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or Hyderabad.
