Washington: The US State Department has warned that al-Qaida could stage a new strike "more devastating than the September 11 attack".

The attacks could target European or Eurasian locations "possibly to closely coincide with the anniversary of the September 11 attack", said the warning issued through foreign Consulates on September 11.

"We expect al-Qaida will strive for new attacks that will be more devastating than the September 11 attack, possibly involving non-conventional weapons such as chemical or biological agents."

"We also cannot rule out the potential for al-Qaida to attempt a second catastrophic attack within the United States," the statement said.

There could be "suicide operations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings", added the warning.

Likely targets are facilities where US citizens and other foreigners congregate, "including residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches".

The State Department cautioned that US facilities worldwide could be closed temporarily "to assess their security posture".

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the warning was issued following information obtained on September 10, when a new video of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden was also broadcast by the Arab satellite channel Al-Jazeera.

Agencies