US warns Americans of possible terror strike

The State Department today warned Americans in the East African nation of Djibouti, where US troops are posted, that terrorists may be planning attacks similar to those last week in Kenya.

The government had not confirmed the credibility of information concerning the threats, which also were thought to cover other countries in the region, according to a State Department statement.

The statement said: “Due to the preponderance of threat information, the department believes it prudent to share this information with American citizens so they can make an informed decision in deciding whether to travel to or remain in East Africa.”

Thousands of US troops are in Djibouti, a former French colony at the tip of the Horn of Africa across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen. General Tommy Franks, who is overseeing the fight against terrorism, has said they are there to help in that effort.

The State Department statement did not mention that military presence in Djibouti. Calls to Pentagon spokesmen were not immediately returned.

The statement mentioned Thursday’s attacks at Mombasa, Kenya. Three suicide bombers killed 10 Kenyans and three Israelis in an attack against an Israeli-owned hotel. Two surface-to-air missiles just missed an Israeli Arika Airlines jetliner after it took off for Israel with 261 passengers and 10 crew members.