U.S. issues travel warning for Indonesia
War raises potential for anti-American violence, bulletin says
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The State Department issued a travel warning Saturday for Indonesia, urging U.S. citizens to consider leaving the country because of an increased potential for terrorism and anti-American violence brought on by the war in Iraq.
The bulletin said the U.S. Embassy had credible information about possible terrorist attacks targeting U.S. officials or interests in Indonesia. It also urged Americans not to visit the world's largest Muslim country.
"As a result of the military action in Iraq, Indonesia's frequent political demonstrations may escalate, increasing the potential for anti-American violence and for terrorist actions against U.S. citizens and interests," the warning said.
"The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta has received credible information that extremist elements may be planning additional attacks targeting U.S. interests in Indonesia, particularly U.S. government officials and facilities," it added.
Earlier Saturday, Australia's embassy warned its citizens living in Indonesia to be wary of possible terrorist attacks from groups with a history of targeting British, Australian, and U.S. citizens.
The embassy warned that attacks might be planned on or about Sunday in Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, on the island of Java.
The Australian government says the warning is not related to Australia's involvement in the war against Iraq. (Full story)
The United States decided Thursday night to close its consulate in Surabaya, a spokesman said. Australia is considering taking a similar measure, a consulate spokesman said.
In October, the State Department ordered the departure of all dependents of embassy personnel and the departure of nonemergency personnel from Indonesia.
-- CNN's Atika Schubert contributed to this report.
