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American Morning

U.S. Citizens in Arab Peninsula Face Possible Terrorism

Aired July 19, 2001 - 10:08   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: The U.S. State Department is issuing a warning to Americans who are traveling to the Arabian Peninsula. Americans are being cautioned to be on guard against terrorist attacks that could be imminent in the peninsula. That region includes Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and the United-Arab Emirates.

Fir more on this developing story -- what it means to you if you plan on traveling, let's bring in our State Department correspondent Andrea Koppel -- Andrea.

ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN STATE DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, well one administration official that I spoke with this morning said that -- he described it, actually, as a potential game of chicken, with Islamic extremists on one side and the U.S. government on the other.

As you mentioned, they have an idea as to where this potential imminent terrorist action might take place -- the Arabian Peninsula. In particular, two countries: Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, where U.S. has a large military presence. As you know, last October in Yemen, which is also on the Arabian Peninsula, the USS Cole was attacked. It was bombed, and 11 sailors were killed.

Now, as -- if you think this is deja vu, you're right, because just last month the State Department issued a worldwide travel caution. This time, however, they're able to narrow it. They say that it's not only U.S. government facilities, U.S. military bases or embassies that are at risk, but also civilian targets. Known as soft targets, these are potentially schools or even U.S. businesses.

And so what should people do if they're in that area? They say you should contact the U.S. embassy, obviously, exercise caution and vary your travel routes and just be on alert, Daryn.

KAGAN: Andrea Koppel at the State Department; Andrea, thank you.

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