US Embassy in Tashkent issued a public announcement to alert US citizens in Uzbekistan to the potential for terrorist actions against Americans in Uzbekistan. US citizens should evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety before deciding to travel to Uzbekistan, the announcement says. The US Government has received information that terrorists may be planning attacks against hotels in Uzbekistan frequented by Westerners. Supporters of extremist groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Al-Qaeda, and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement remain active in the region, the report adds. The announcement says: These groups have expressed anti-US sentiments and may attempt to target US Government or private interests in Uzbekistan. Terrorist groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. As security is increased at official US facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers seek softer targets. These may include facilities where Americans and other foreigners congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts. US citizens should increase their security awareness and avoid, if possible, locations where Americans and Westerners generally congregate in large numbers. The US Embassy in Tashkent continues to employ heightened security precautions. The Uzbek Government maintains travel restrictions on large parts of the Surkhandarya region bordering Afghanistan, including the border city of Termez. Foreign citizens intending to travel to this region must obtain a special permission card from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs or Uzbek embassies and consulates abroad. (Uzreport.com)