AMERICANS IN BAHRAIN UNDER THREAT

ABU DHABI [MENL] -- The U.S. military in Bahrain has come under threat from an Islamic insurgency group.

An Islamic group linked to Al Qaida has warned of suicide attacks against Americans in Bahrain. The group cited the U.S. embassy as well as the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, based in Manama.

The group was identified as the Bahrain Branch of Ansar Al Islam. Ansar has been described as an Iranian-based group composed of Kurds who seek to establish an Islamic state in Iraq. Ansar has been based in northern Iraq and Iran.

Ansar, said to comprise up to 1,000 members, warned Muslims to avoid U.S. installations and places frequented by Americans in Bahrain. The group cited the U.S. embassy, the area around the residence of the U.S. ambassador, the University of Bahrain as well as hotels, night clubs and oil pipelines.
http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2004/november/11_17_4.html