US embassy warns of terrorist attacks planned in Sabah
The United States embassy in Malaysia issued a warning today that criminal and terrorist groups are planning attacks against foreigners in Sabah.
The embassy said there was "present concern" over resorts in isolated areas in eastern Sabah including the diving island of Sipadan where foreign hostages were snatched in 2000.
The United States embassy in Malaysia issued a warning today that criminal and terrorist groups are planning attacks against foreigners in Sabah.
The embassy said there was "present concern" over resorts in isolated areas in eastern Sabah including the diving island of Sipadan where foreign hostages were snatched in 2000.
"There are indications that both criminal and terrorist groups are planning or intend acts of violence against foreigners in eastern Sabah," the embassy said in a 'warden notice' posted on its website.
"The Abu Sayyaf group, based in the southern Philippines, has kidnapped foreigners in eastern Sabah in the past," it said.
The advisory identified the destinations of Semporna, Mabul and Sipadan and called on citizens to "please avoid or use extreme caution in connection with any travel in these areas or locations."
The US travel advisory on Malaysia already warns of the threat of criminal and terrorist attacks in Sabah but the information in today's statement was more specific on the areas being targeted.
Sabah's island resorts are popular with tourists.
The 'warden notice' said the Philippines-based, al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf had kidnapped foreigners in eastern Sabah in the past. Criminal elements were also responsible for kidnapping and piracy, it said.
Security forces alerted
Malaysia's deputy police chief, Ismail Omar, said his officers were taking all necessary steps.
"I have alerted all my officers in Sabah to boost security at all these places," he told Reuters.
A US embassy spokesman in Kuala Lumpur said such statements were issued periodically and the latest warning was posted "to enable people to make informed decisions about their security".
The spokesman said there was a possibility the warning would be upgraded into an official travel advisory that would be issued by the US State Department.
The Abu Sayyaf, known for kidnapping and beheading hostages, was nearly eliminated after the death of its founder and leader, Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani, in the late 1990s.
It sprang back to life when about 20 Malaysian and Western tourists were kidnapped on Sipadan island in 2000. Analysts have said that proceeds from kidnappings may revive the small but deadly group.
- Agencies
