Warning Issued for Americans Traveling in Islamic Countries

WASHINGTON — The State Department warned Americans on Friday to exercise extreme caution when traveling in Islamic countries because of the danger of retaliation related to the conviction of four Muslim militants in the World Trade Center bombing.

Spokeswoman Christine Shelly said that the court decision may cause Muslim extremists to seek revenge against Americans, including tourists.

“The conviction of the followers of Sheik Omar Abdul Rahman in the World Trade Center bombing trial in New York may precipitate strong reactions from Islamic extremists in Egypt, including possible attacks against U.S. citizens and interests,” Shelly said.

She said that the department has no information about specific threats but said that “Americans overseas, especially those living or traveling throughout the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa, should be alert to continuing developments.”

President Clinton congratulated law enforcement agencies and the prosecution after the verdict was returned. “I think that the signal should go out across the world that anyone who seeks to come to this country to practice terrorism will have the full weight of the law enforcement authorities against them.”