The US State Department issued a warning of an increased risk of terrorist attacks to US citizens abroad just four days before yesterday's events.
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A public announcement on the Department of State's website issued a worldwide caution, saying the US Government had learned over the past several months that US citizens and interests abroad may be at increased risk of terrorist action from extremist groups.
"US citizens are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness to reduce their vulnerability", the statement said.
"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 statement also highlighted the threat from extremist groups with links to Osama bin Ladin's Al-Qaida organisation, in light of information received earlier this year.
"In the past, such individuals have not distinguished between official and civilian targets," the statement added.
"As always, we take this information seriously. US Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert."
In June of this year, US forces in the Gulf went on the highest state of alert, Threat Condition Delta, based on a broad but "credible" threat that US officials said was linked to exiled Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden
