Homeland Security

DATE=12/31/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ASIA NEW YEAR / SECURITY - L

NUMBER=2-311357

BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB

DATELINE=BANGKOK

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Security has been tightened in parts of Southeast Asia due to fears of possible terrorist attacks during the New Year's holiday. Correspondent Scott Bobb reports from Bangkok that foreign embassies are warning their citizens to take precautions and avoid large gatherings.

TEXT: Indonesian officials are warning of possible new bomb attacks during New Year celebrations and have put more than 165-thousand police on high alert.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Marty Natalegawa says authorities have particular concerns about two terrorist suspects still at large in the country.

/// NATALEGAWA ACT ///

We have at least a couple of individuals of interest yet to be captured. These are two Malaysian nationals who are known to have ill intentions. They are basically bomb makers. They are still at large and we are trying to capture them.

/// END ACT ///

The two suspects, Azahari Nurdin and Noordin Mohammad Top, are believed to belong to Jemaah Islamiyah - the regional terrorist network linked to al-Qaida.

Jemaah Islamiyah masterminded the bombings on Bali Island last year and at a Jakarta hotel in August. The Indonesian government has arrested several dozen suspects and convicted more than a dozen of the terrorists involved.

Security forces are also on alert in the Philippines, which experienced a series of bombings around the Christmas holidays three years ago. A spokeswoman for the U-S Embassy in Manila, Karen Kelly, says its warning to U-S citizens in the archipelago follows a global alert recently issued by Washington.

/// KELLY ACT ///

That is a worldwide caution to U-S citizens (issued) in light of increased information on possible terrorist activities. And we are, as are American citizens around the world, increasing our vigilance.

/// END ACT ///

In Thailand, authorities have mobilized additional police to guard embassies, hotels, bus and railway stations and tourist attractions.

Thai officials say one thousand additional police will be stationed downtown Wednesday night when tens of thousands of people are expected to gather along with senior political leaders to mark the countdown to the New Year. (signed)

NEB/HK/SB/JJ