US embassy advises Americans to avoid Amman shooting site

Jul 18, 2008, 11:33 GMT

Amman- The US embassy on Friday advised American citizens to avoid the site of the shooting attack in the heart of Amman that left six people wounded on Wednesday.

The embassy said in a warden message that Americans visiting Jordan should maintain a high level of caution, particularly in crowded areas, restaurants, hotels, clubs and shopping centres.

Jordanian authorities, meanwhile, have identified the assailant as Thaer al-Wahidi, a 18-year-old Jordanian of Palestinian origin, but said the incident had 'no political or terrorism' links.

The shooting took place just outside the ancient Roman Theatre in downtown Amman. Four Lebanese members of the Kaslik choir, which had just performed at the theatre, were among the victims.

All six wounded have since been discharged from hospital, officials said.

The gunman, who shot himself in the head while being chased after the attack, died of his wounds in hospital, according to the Public Security Department spokesman Major Mohammad Khatib.

Al-Wahidi, who lives in the Palestinian refugee camp of Baqaa, 8 kilometres north of Amman, had no political affiliations or serious criminal background, he said.