lucky wilbury
09-25-2004, 03:33 PM
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/108422/1/.html
US warns of heightened risk of terror attacks in South Korea
WASHINGTON : The United States has warned of heightened risk of terror attacks and violent action on American government facilities and personnel in South Korea following Seoul's dispatch of troops to Iraq.
South Korea's defense ministry announced on Wednesday it had completed the deployment of around 2,800 troops on a relief and rehabilitation mission to northern Iraq. They will be reinforced by another 800 soldiers in November.
The announcement followed a media blackout on the troop deployment which began with a secret airlift on August 3, preceded by protest rallies by South Korean anti-war activists.
"The recent public announcement regarding the dispatch of Korean troops to Iraq raises the potential for demonstrations and violent actions against US government facilities and personnel in Korea," an advisory issued by the US embassy in Seoul said.
Moreover, it said, the embassy "remained concerned by indications that al-Qaeda and other terror groups continue to prepare to strike US interests both domestically and overseas.
"Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may involve aviation and other transportation and maritime interests, and may include conventional weapons, such as explosive devices."
The advisory issued through the embassy's warden system as a public service to all US citizens in South Korea said "terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.
"These may include facilities where US citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, and public areas."
The advisory said that South Korean police authorities had increased the number of security personnel protecting US government facilities.
Additionally, US Forces Korea (USFK) command elements have implemented a series of enhanced security measures at USFK bases to include increased police patrols, random car stops and more robust screening of visitors to the base.
American citizens and their family members were strongly encouraged to maintain a high-level of personal security awareness, especially in areas where large numbers of American citizens congregate.
Parliament approved the dispatch of troops in February but stipulated that they would engage in relief and reconstruction work only and avoid combat.
Seoul said the ban on media access was imposed to ensure the security of its forces and civilians in Iraq since the execution of a South Korean translator by Islamic militants in June.
Abductors beheaded Kim Sun-Il after President Roh Moo-Hyun rejected their demand that Seoul cancel its plan to send troops to Iraq.
A group calling itself Ashap Rayat Sud (Black Banners), affiliated with the Islamic militant organization Ansar al-Sunna, sent a videotape to Seoul last month, threatening to attack South Korean troops and citizens in retaliation.
Ansar al-Sunna has claimed responsibility for many attacks, including a suicide bombing which killed at least 105 in Arbil in February.
US warns of heightened risk of terror attacks in South Korea
WASHINGTON : The United States has warned of heightened risk of terror attacks and violent action on American government facilities and personnel in South Korea following Seoul's dispatch of troops to Iraq.
South Korea's defense ministry announced on Wednesday it had completed the deployment of around 2,800 troops on a relief and rehabilitation mission to northern Iraq. They will be reinforced by another 800 soldiers in November.
The announcement followed a media blackout on the troop deployment which began with a secret airlift on August 3, preceded by protest rallies by South Korean anti-war activists.
"The recent public announcement regarding the dispatch of Korean troops to Iraq raises the potential for demonstrations and violent actions against US government facilities and personnel in Korea," an advisory issued by the US embassy in Seoul said.
Moreover, it said, the embassy "remained concerned by indications that al-Qaeda and other terror groups continue to prepare to strike US interests both domestically and overseas.
"Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may involve aviation and other transportation and maritime interests, and may include conventional weapons, such as explosive devices."
The advisory issued through the embassy's warden system as a public service to all US citizens in South Korea said "terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.
"These may include facilities where US citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, and public areas."
The advisory said that South Korean police authorities had increased the number of security personnel protecting US government facilities.
Additionally, US Forces Korea (USFK) command elements have implemented a series of enhanced security measures at USFK bases to include increased police patrols, random car stops and more robust screening of visitors to the base.
American citizens and their family members were strongly encouraged to maintain a high-level of personal security awareness, especially in areas where large numbers of American citizens congregate.
Parliament approved the dispatch of troops in February but stipulated that they would engage in relief and reconstruction work only and avoid combat.
Seoul said the ban on media access was imposed to ensure the security of its forces and civilians in Iraq since the execution of a South Korean translator by Islamic militants in June.
Abductors beheaded Kim Sun-Il after President Roh Moo-Hyun rejected their demand that Seoul cancel its plan to send troops to Iraq.
A group calling itself Ashap Rayat Sud (Black Banners), affiliated with the Islamic militant organization Ansar al-Sunna, sent a videotape to Seoul last month, threatening to attack South Korean troops and citizens in retaliation.
Ansar al-Sunna has claimed responsibility for many attacks, including a suicide bombing which killed at least 105 in Arbil in February.