By MIKE CORDER, Associated Press Writer
SYDNEY, Australia - Terrorists are ready to carry out an attack in Indonesia, possibly targeting a Hilton hotel, Australia said Wednesday, and Britain warned of an increased threat of terror attacks in Indonesia during the Christmas holidays.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement saying it had "received credible new information suggesting terrorists are ready to carry out an attack shortly in Indonesia, possibly targeting a Hilton hotel," adding "Other targets cannot be ruled out."
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, speaking in Papua New Guinea where he was attending a conference, urged Australians to stay away from Western hotels in Indonesia.
The British government also warned of a higher danger of terrorist attack in the Southeast Asian nation during the year-end holidays.
"We continue to receive reports that terrorists in Indonesia are planning further attacks on Westerners and Western interests," the Foreign Office said in an updated travel advisory.
"We believe that there is a heightened risk of attacks in the lead up to and during this Christmas/New Year period and that these attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Indonesia, including locations frequented by foreigners."