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Tuesday, September 5, 2000
State Department joins USFK in warning of possible attacks

By Jim Lea
Osan bureau chief

The U.S. State Department posted a warning on its Web site that a non-Korean group may carry out terrorist activities against Americans and U.S. government installations in South Korea.

The State Department warning said, however, that its information on possible terrorist activities in South Korea is unconfirmed.

U.S. Forces Korea issued a similar caution Friday.

Neither the State Department nor USFK warnings indicated what group or individuals might be planning terrorist activities. Korean National Police said they did not even know the warnings had been issued.

The State Department announcement said the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and U.S. military officials are increasing security at all facilities.

Korean police would not say whether or not riot police who generally are on duty at U.S. bases in Seoul are being increased.

"U.S. citizens in the Republic of Korea should review their own personal security practices, be alert to any unusual activity around their homes or businesses, and report any significant incidents to police authorities," the State Department notice said.

Any such activity observed in civilian communities should be reported either to military or security police at the nearest U.S. military base or the Korean National Police at 313-0842 in Seoul or 02-313-0842 from telephones outside Seoul. English-speaking police generally are available at that telephone number, but it may be prudent to have someone who speaks Korean make the call.

The USFK warning issued Friday advised members of the U.S. military community to avoid "large groups of Americans or places where Americans gather. On Sunday, Americans from Osan Air Base said they were aware of the warnings, but had done little to alter their off-base activities.

"I think most people are being a little more cautious, but they’re still coming off base to shop and visit the clubs," said one Air Force staff sergeant. "You can’t develop a siege mentality and never go off base."