US issues travel alert for India with terrorist warning

Oct 19, 2011, 9:35 GMT

New Delhi - The United States issued a travel alert for its citizens in India, warning them of possible terrorist attacks during the end-of-year holidays.

The US State Department urged 'citizens to pay particular attention to their personal security between October and January' in a statement posted Tuesday in Washington on its website.

The period from now to the end of January has several Hindu, Islamic and other religious and secular holidays, the statement said.

The US State Department routinely issues such advisories.

'Recent Indian government advisories and local media report increased indications that terrorists are planning attacks in India,' the alert said.

'In the past, terrorists have targeted markets, public transportation such as trains and public buses, religious sites, hotels and restaurants,' it said.

During the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai, terrorists specifically targeted hotels and other public places.

The travel alert expires January 20. From October to January, major festivals include the Hindu festival of lights, or Diwali; Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice for Muslims, and Christmas when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

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