Goa travel advisory issued by Israel

The Counter Terrorism Bureau (CTB) is warning Israelis to avoid unnecessary travel to Goa, after the attacks in Mumbai.

Travel Insurance News - 11/12/2008

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The CTB has characterized the warning as "very concrete,” and is recommending that all travel to the area is postponed until after the end of December.

"The Goa region is a potentially tempting target for Islamic terror groups, particularly leading up to the New Year celebrations," the Bureau noted. It had previously issued a similar advisory two years ago.

Digambar Kamat, the chief minister for Goa, noted that the area has been a terrorist target for some time as it attracts over two million visitors each year. He went on to say that local anti-terror security has been increased.

"Last year before Christmas we also received information indicating that Goa may be targeted. The terrorists are aware that launching an attack in this region would affect all of India," Kamat added.

"We have taken the necessary precautions, including the bolstering of the Coast Guard and Navy's presence."

The CTB has issued a similar warning against travel by Israelis to Jammu and Kashmir, following recent threats made by the leader of a Kashmiri terrorist group urging attacks on Israelis.

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