US alerts travellers to India to Mumbai-type terror attacks

The alert comes even as former president George W. Bush is in India to attend a 'Leadership Summit' in New Delhi Oct 30-31.

"Terrorists and their sympathisers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where Americans or Westerners are known to congregate or visit," the State Department said in a new travel alert replacing one issued Sep 12.
"The November 2008 attacks in Mumbai provided a vivid reminder that hotels and other public places are especially attractive targets for terrorist groups," the alert said urging US citizens "to practice good security, maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile."

The alert valid till Jan 28 also advised Americans 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.
The new warning comes days after the FBI busted a plot by Pakistan-based terrorrist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba to carry out terrorist attacks in India using an American national. FBI had Wednesday accused 49-year-old David Coleman Headley, who was arrested early this month along with a Canadian of Pakistan origin, of being in close contact with LeT leaders and helping the outfit in planning a terror attack in India.