US warns of imminent terror attack in Mali

WASHINGTON – The State Department is warning of a possible imminent terrorist attack against U.S. interests, including the American embassy and American school, in the West African nation of Mali.

The U.S. Embassy in the capital of Bamako said Thursday that it has "credible information of a possible attack in the immediate future" against the embassy and the school. In a security alert to U.S. citizens in Mali, the embassy also said it had "credible information of a possible kidnapping plot targeting Americans and other Westerners in Bamako."

The notice said Americans should increase their security precautions, especially in areas of Bamako frequented by Westerners but gave no details about the potential attacks. Al-Qaida affiliates have in the past carried out attacks in Mali.