U.S. Embassy in India warns of possible bombings

NEW DELHI – The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi warned today that foreign militants, possibly al-Qaida members, may be planning to carry out bombings in India’s two major cities in the coming days.

In an e-mail sent to American citizens living in India, the embassy said New Delhi, the capital, and Bombay, the country’s financial and entertainment hub, were the likely targets, and the attacks were believed to be planned for either before or on India’s Independence Day, Aug. 15.

The embassy confirmed that it had sent the e-mail, although Indian officials refused to comment on the warning.

Word of the alleged plot came a day after British police said they had thwarted a terrorist plan, possibly just days away, to blow up U.S.-bound jetliners over the Atlantic.

The U.S. Embassy’s warning for India said the “likely targets include major airports, key central Indian government offices, and major gathering places such as hotels and markets.”

It urged American citizens to maintain a low profile and be especially alert and attentive to their surroundings between Aug. 11 and Aug. 16.