Washington:  US missions in the United Arab Emirates cautioned their citizens living there about the potential for attacks in the UAE and throughout the Middle East, as the summer season approaches.

Americans were reminded of "the general security situation" in the region before the "summer travel and holiday season, including plans for 4th of July celebrations around the UAE," according to a copy of an official US message.

The embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai "wish to advise Americans that potential exists for terrorists to plan and carry out violent actions in the region, including the UAE," according to the message obtained by AFP yesterday.

"And for this reason Americans should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, particularly in public places," according to a copy of the message sent to AFP by a State Department official.

The official, who asked not to be named, told AFP that the warden message emailed to Americans registered with the embassy in Abu Dhabi is being posted on the embassy website today.

It contained no other details and asked Americans to continue to monitor the embassy's website.

The message follows a warning yesterday from the British embassy in the UAE which said "there is a high threat from terrorism. We believe terrorists may be planning to carry out attacks in the UAE."

A State Department spokesman, Gonzalo Gallegos, told reporters in Washington earlier that the US government was aware of the travel warning to British citizens in the UAE and was preparing to update its own advice.

Source : PTI