State Department warns of potential bin Laden-linked attacks

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The State Department late Friday warned that Americans abroad could be "the target of a terrorist threat" by associates of suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden.

The warning came on the same day a jury in New York completed its first full day of deliberations in the terrorism trial stemming from the August 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.

Four defendants in that case are charged with participating in a conspiracy to kill Americans and to destroy U.S. property that was allegedly led by bin Laden, a wanted fugitive in the case.

The State Department did not elaborate on what information it had received or if the threats had any relation to the ongoing terrorism trial.

"The U.S. government has learned that American citizens abroad may be the target of a terrorist threat from extremist groups with links to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda organization," the State Department said.

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"U.S. citizens are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness to reduce their vulnerability. Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required travel, and treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with suspicion," the warning said.

Earlier this week, Secretary of State Colin Powell testified before a congressional panel, telling them that the State Department is "constantly watching the trends and watching the intelligence to judge when such public announcements and travel warnings are necessary."

The State Department warning said that in the past, the extremist groups "have not distinguished between official and civilian targets" in their threats.

U.S. government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert, the statement said, and some of those facilities may close or suspend operations if the need arises.