US warns of possible terrorist attack

NEW DELHI: The US on Friday warned that Al Qaeda and some other foreign terrorists may carry out attacks here and in Mumbai around Independence Day. The US embassy here said the serial bombing attacks could possibly take place from Friday till August 16 and the likely targets are major airports, vital government installations and crowded places. The warning came a day after a major terror plot was foiled in Britain.

“The Embassy has learnt that foreign terrorists, possibly including Al Qaeda, allegedly intend to carry out a series of bombing attacks in and around New Delhi and Mumbai in the days leading to the Independence Day,” it said in an advisory.

“The likely targets are major airports, key central Indian government offices and major gathering places such as hotels and markets,” the advisory said.

Delhi police on Thursday night arrested at New Delhi station two terrorists of Lashker-e-Taiba outfit, which is believed to be working with Al-Qaeda. One of the terrorists was a Pakistani National.

Security has already been heightened across the country after the Mumbai blasts and in view of the Independence Day. Further security measures are taken up to guard important installations including airports after the foiled terror attack in Britain on Thursday.

A contingent of 38 National security guards personnel have been deployed at the Indira Gandhi centre for atomic research at Kalpakkam near Chennai following reports that major installations could be target of terrorists.