US, Canada issue travel alerts warning of terror attacks

Asking their citizens to practice good security, both the countries have advised them to maintain high level of awareness at crowded places.

"American citizens are advised to be alert to the continued possibility of terrorist attacks.
"There is a continuing threat from terrorism throughout India and the upcoming series of major holidays (including August 15 Independence Day celebrations) could provide terrorist groups an opportunity or pretext to stage an attack," a message put up on the US embassy website said.

This is second such alert issued by the US in less than two-and-a-half-months.
"Canadians travelling to India should be particularly vigilant in the lead up to and on days of national significance, as militants have used such occasions to mount attacks in the past.

"In the lead up to Independence Day, the Indian government has increased security throughout the country, particularly in the cities of Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad," a travel warning, posted on the Canadian High Commission website, said.

"The November 2008 attacks in Mumbai provided a vivid reminder that luxury hotels are especially attractive targets for terrorist groups," the US alert said.

Canada said its citizens "are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, remain aware of their local surroundings, monitor local news reports, follow the advice of local authorities, avoid crowded places, and take appropriate steps to increase their personal security."