US alerts its citizens travelling to India

WASHINGTON: Days after the FBI busted Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba's plot to carry out terrorist attack in India using an American national, the United States asked its citizens to stay alert during their travel to India.

"The US Government continues to receive information that terrorist groups may be planning attacks in India," the State Department said in its latest travel alert on India. This replaces a similar travel alert issued by the State Department before the start of the festival season.

"Terrorists and their sympathisers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where Americans or Westerners are known to congregate or visit," the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the State Department said.

Stating that the latest travel alert remains valid till January 28, next year, the department said the Mumbai terror attacks in November last provided a vivid reminder that hotels and other public places are targets for terrorist groups.

"US citizens are urged always to practise good security, maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile," the alert said.

"Americans are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues," it said.

FBI had said yesterday that 49-year-old David Coleman Headley, who was arrested early this month along with a Canadian of Pakistan origin, was in close contact with LeT leaders and helping the outfit in planning a terror attack in India.