Indonesia: Threat of Christmas terror attacks 'high'
The threat of terrorist attacks targeting Westerners in Indonesia over the Christmas and New Year holidays is very high, the US embassy said today, warning of possible kidnappings, shootings or suicide bombings.
Maps and explosives obtained in a police raid on a terrorist’s hideout last month indicated the al-Qaida-linked militant group Jemaah Islamiyah was in the advanced stages of planning attacks, the embassy said in an e-mailed message to citizens.
Indonesian authorities also warned recently that Islamic extremists may be planning to kidnap foreigners over the holidays, and a recently discovered website provided step-by-step instructions on how to gun down Westerners in the streets of Jakarta.
“The embassy reminds Americans that in recent years terrorist attacks have occurred in Indonesia during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season,” the US message said, calling on citizens to remain vigilant and to vary the routes and times of their daily activities.
“The possibility of terrorist attacks appears even higher this year.”
The world’s most populous Muslim nation has been hit by five suicide bombings targeting Western interests since 2002 – including Oct. 1 restaurant attacks on the resort island of Bali – together killing more than 242 people.
Near simultaneous church bombings on Christmas Eve five years ago left another 19 dead.
Indonesian military chief Gen Endriartono Sutarto said thousands of troops would join police in providing security over the two-week holiday.
Additional guards and patrols also were being deployed to protect high-ranking officials, diplomats and foreigners from potential kidnappings, said police deputy spokesman Anton Bachrul Alam.
Though Jemaah Islamiyah’s bomb-making expert Azhari bin Husin was killed in a police raid on his hideout last month, authorities have repeatedly warned that the terror group was still capable of carrying out attacks.
Dozens of bombs and maps were found, and a videotape showed a hooded man threatening attacks on American, Australian, Italian and British citizens for their support of the war in Iraq.
The US embassy said terrorists appear to be changing their tactics.
“They are likely now planning to attack Westerners riding in cars or walking on streets, sidewalks or pedestrian overpasses in Jakarta.”
The Australian government issued its own Christmas holiday warning yesterday, advising its citizens against travelling to Indonesia – especially to Bali.
