A week after a terrorist bomb killed nearly 200 people on the Indonesian resort island of Bali, the U.S. State Department is again urging Americans to consider leaving that country, saying they may face another terrorist attack.
The State Department says the American embassy in Jakarta has received information suggesting extremist elements may be planning more attacks against U.S. interests. As a result, a new warning issued Saturday is urging Americans to avoid travel to Indonesia and is telling those already there who can not leave to keep a low profile and use maximum caution, including avoiding establishments catering to a Western clientele, like restaurants, clubs and schools.
This new warning comes on the same day that Indonesian authorities arrested prominent Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir in connection with a series of terrorist bombings and amid pressure from both the U.S. and Australian governments for Jakarta to declare his Jemaah Islamiyah group a terrorist organization. The Muslim cleric has denied involvement in the Bali blast.
Australia, meanwhile has declared Sunday a national day of mourning for those killed in last week's terrorist bombing, most of whom were believed to be Australians. In a videotaped message of support to the Australian people, President Bush again vowed those responsible will be brought to justice.