United States Issues Uzbek Warning

The US has warned that extremists in Uzbekistan may be plotting more terrorist attacks and advised US citizens in the country to be on "the highest alert" after explosions in Tashkent and Bukhara. The US embassy in Tashkent said it had closed its downtown annex and suspended visa operations for the remainder of Monday and noted that while Uzbek police had made some arrests they feared that "other terrorists" remained uncaptured and may be ready to stage new attacks.

"The authorities raided a terrorist safe house, and have made some arrests, but other terrorists are believed still at large and may be attempting additional attacks," the embassy said in a notice of US citizens in Uzbekistan.

"Because of these attacks and the uncertainty of whether or not there will be more attacks today, we encourage all American citizens to be on the highest alert for their safety and security and to avoid large crowds and public places," it said.