Obama's Big Mistake: State Department
warns of massive anti-American violence, reprisals after bin Laden
killing
By Matthew Lee, The Associated Press | The Canadian Press
WASHINGTON - The State Department early Monday put U.S. embassies
on alert and warned of the heightened possibility for
anti-American violence after the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama
bin Laden by American forces in Pakistan.
The department issued a worldwide travel alert shortly after
President Barack Obama late Sunday announced bin Laden's death in
a U.S. military operation. The department warned of an "enhanced
potential for major anti-American violence given recent
counterterrorism activity in Pakistan."
It continued: "Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current
situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause
anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel
outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and
demonstrations."
The alert said U.S. embassy operations would continue "to the
extent possible under the constraints of any evolving security
situation." It noted that embassies and consulates may temporarily
close or suspend public services, depending on conditions.