Sydney siege prompts US to issue worldwide travel alert
THE lone wolf attack at the Lindt cafe in Sydney has prompted the US State Department to issue a rare worldwide travel alert for its citizens.
THE lone wolf attack by madman Man Haron Monis at the Lindt cafe in Sydney has prompted the US State Department to issue a rare worldwide travel alert for its citizens.
The alert, issued on the eve of the busiest travel period of the year, warns US citizens abroad to be mindful that terrorist groups and those inspired by them can pose unpredictable threats in public venues.
“The lone wolf attack in Sydney, Australia on December 15, 2014, resulting in the deaths of two hostages, is a reminder that U.S. citizens should be extra cautious, maintain a very high level of vigilance, and take appropriate steps to enhance their personal security,” the alert warned.
“An analysis of past attacks and threat reporting strongly suggests a focus by terrorists not only on the targeting of U.S. government facilities, but also on hotels, shopping areas, places of worship, and schools, among other targets, during or coinciding with this holiday period.
“The State Department urged US citizens to remain alert to local conditions and for signs of danger. “
Monis, a “fake sheik” who had declared his allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist organisation, staged a deadly 17-hour siege in the Sydney CBD on Monday, which ended with the deaths of two innocent civilians.
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The only other time the US has issued a global travel alert was in August 2013 when they US government warned al Qaeda militants or its allies could target either US government or private American interests.
The latest warning comes just days after the New York premiere of satirical movie The Interview was cancelled after hackers vowed a 9/11-style attack at cinemas where the film was screened.
The comedy, starring James Franco and Seth Rogen, about a fictional CIA plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has since been pulled from its Christmas Day release in the States.
A sickening note purportedly written by the anonymous group Guardians of Peace to film company Sony read: “Warning. We will clearly show it to you at the very time and places ‘The Interview’ be shown, including the premiere, how bitter fate those who seek fun in terror should be doomed to.
“Soon all the world will see what an awful movie Sony Pictures Entertainment has made. The world will be full of fear. Remember the 11th of September 2001.
“We recommend you to keep yourself distant from the places at that time. (If your house is nearby, you’d better leave.) Whatever comes in the coming days is called by the greed of Sony Pictures Entertainment. All the world will denounce the SONY.”
President Barack Obama today said Sony had made a mistake by cancelling the release of the film.
“I’m sympathetic to the concerns that they faced. Having said all that, yes, I think they made a mistake,” Mr Obama said.
“We cannot have a society in which some dictator some place can start imposing censorship here in the United States.”
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