New Delhi: Closing down the Consulate in Mumbai, the US Embassy in Delhi today (Nov 23, 2004) sent out a warning that terrorists may be planning attacks on American interests in India, particularly in Mumbai and Delhi, "in the near future" and asked its citizens to take appropriate steps to increase their security.

"In the light of these security concerns", the Consular section and the Information Resource Centre at the American Centre in Mumbai will remain closed today (Nov 23, 2004), the US Embassy in New Delhi said in an advisory to American citizens.

The Consular sections at the US Embassy in Delhi and the Consulates General in Chennai and Kolkata, however, remained open.

"Based on information received by the US Government, terrorists may be planning attacks on US interests in India in the near future," it said.

Although not specific, the information suggests that an attack could be aimed at US interests in the cities of New Delhi and Mumbai, it said.

It warned that facilities associated with the US or locations where US citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public areas could be targeted.

The Embassy asked US citizens to maintain a "high level of vigilance" and take appropriate steps to increase their security.

The Embassy notice was titled "Threat to US interests in New Delhi and Mumbai".

All the staff members who reported for duty at the US Consulate and American Centre in Mumbai were asked to go home, the Consulate said.