US warns citizens in Indonesia after Bali blasts

JAKARTA (Reuters) – The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta warned
Americans on Sunday that they and their interests could be
targets of attacks in Indonesia, after three bombs ripped
through restaurants on the resort island of Bali.

In an e-mail sent Sunday afternoon, the embassy said “the
potential remains for violence and terrorist actions against
U.S. citizens and interests throughout Indonesia.”

The statement noted the Saturday evening Bali blasts, which
according to the latest data killed 26 people and wounded 122.
Bali hospital sources say no Americans were known killed but at
least four were wounded.

“The embassy has received continued indications that
terrorists could be planning additional acts in Indonesia,” the
statement said.

It added that: “Americans should be aware that during the
Moslem holy month of Ramadan, which begins on or about October
4 … it is not uncommon for bars and nightclubs which remain
open despite local regulations to be the subject of ‘sweeps’ by
local militants attempting to shut down these establishments.”

Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim nation.
Although most following Islam in the country are moderates,
militant activity has increased in recent years.

Several major bombings, including an attack three years ago
in Bali that killed 202 people, have been blamed on Jemaah
Islamiah, a militant network seen as the regional arm of al
Qaeda.

The U.S. has issued a number of warnings about possible
terrorist attacks to Americans in indonesia over the past few
years.