WikiLeaks 'inviting' terror attacks through leaked cables: US

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said release of documents possesses potential damage to US friends and partners."The illegal publication of classified information poses real concerns and even potential damage to our friends and partners around the world," she told reporters.

"I won't comment on any specific alleged cable, but I will underscore that this theft of US Government information and its publication without regard to the consequences is deeply distressing," she said in response to a question.

She said the US continues to address all of the challenges it presents and call on countries around the world and businesses to assist us in preventing any of the consequences that could either endanger individuals or other interests internationally.

State Department spokesman P J Crowley said the WikiLeaks was inviting terrorist attacks by releasing the cable that mention some of the key infrastructures projects across the globe identified by the US as vital for its national security interest.

"Without discussing any particular cable, the release of this kind of information gives a group like al Qaeda a targeting list. This is why we have condemned WikiLeaks for what it has done," he said.

"There are strong and valid reasons for classifying vital information, including the identification of critical infrastructure that is important to not only our society and economy, but those of other countries," he said