U.S. warns of possible New Year’s Eve attacks in Bangladesh

The U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh’s capital said it was warning U.S. citizens Tuesday that attacks against hotels and clubs are possible there in the next few days, perhaps in connection with New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The embassy in the capital, Dhaka, did not say what led to the warning.

The warning came a month after the U.S. State Department issued a travel alert for Americans traveling to the South Asian country, citing what it said a potential for extremist violence in light of recent violent attacks claimed by the Sunni Muslim terror group ISIS.

Those attacks included a September 28 killing of an Italian national, an October 3 killing of a Japanese national, and October 24 bombings against Shia Muslims in a religious procession, according to the State Department.

In its warning Tuesday, the Embassy said Dhaka police have increased security measures for New Year’s Eve, including a ban on outdoor parties after 8 p.m.

In November, the United States issued a worldwide travel alert for Americans amid concerns that terror groups and individuals plan more attacks after that month’s deadly attacks in Paris. The State Department warned that groups like ISIS, al Qaeda and Boko Haram “continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions.” It also warned of the possibility of individuals carrying out their own attacks.

The worldwide alert did not instruct Americans to avoid travel, but it does urge U.S. citizens to “exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation.”

Exit mobile version