Canada warns of ‘imminent’ terror threat in New Delhi

[Creder]

just heard it on the radio, these are the fresh reports posted May 1, 2010

Canada warns of ‘imminent’ terror threat in New Delhi

Canada warns of ?imminent? terror threat in New Delhi - thestar.com

NEW DELHI—The Canadian government believes there is an “imminent” threat of a terrorist attack in India’s capital city.

In an email circulated Saturday morning to registered Canadians living in India, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade wrote “while there is a continuing threat of terrorist attacks throughout India at all times, credible and specific reporting indicates that a terrorist attack could be carried in the following days or weeks, in market areas of Delhi frequented by foreigners.”

The travel advisory was the third sent out in recent days and warns travellers to avoid New Delhi’s popular Chandni Chowk area.

“We advise to exercise a high degree of caution, to monitor your surroundings and to minimize your presence in market areas of the city,” the advisory said.

New Delhi has been relatively safe over the past year and a half.

The advisory also comes as India and Pakistan attempt to normalize diplomatic ties. This week the countries agreed to schedule meetings between foreign ministers.

Relations chilled in the wake of the November 2008 terrorist attacks when a group of terrorists from Pakistan landed on the shores of Mumbai, fanned out across the city and killed 163 people.

The last major attack in New Delhi occurred in September 2008 when a series of synchronized explosions hit five crowded markets, including Connaught Place, a tourist destination.

In February, Indian authorities issued a national alert after nine people were killed and at least 57 were wounded when a bomb exploded at a bakery in the western Indian city of Pune. The bakery was in a neighbourhood popular with foreign tourists.

U.S., Australia Warn Of Terror Attacks In India

The United States and Australia have warned of the threat of "imminent" terror attacks in the Indian capital.

The U.S. Embassy issued an advisory that urged tourists to avoid New Delhi's crowded markets, noting that commercial and other areas frequented by Westerners have been targeted in the past.

The Australian Embassy issued a similar advisory.

Indian authorities said they were taking the threats seriously, adding that security in the capital was "adequate."

India is home to a wide range of separatists and insurgents, but Islamist terrorist groups, both homegrown and from across the border in Pakistan, are considered the most dangerous threat.

The last major attack in New Delhi was a series of bomb blasts in busy shopping areas in September 2008 that left 22 people dead and wounded 100 more.