Israel warns of Al Qaeda's Xmas strike on Goa

Every Christmas season hordes of Israeli backpackers, along with those of other nationalities, descend on Goa to spend the festive season and New Year's Eve on the beaches of India's most tourist friendly state.

This December-end, however, things could be different, with the possibility of Israeli tourists staying away.

For, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office and its Anti-Terror Unit have warned their citizens to stay off Goa, since
according to their intelligence the possibility of the Al Qaeda striking in Goa in the next fortnight was very high.

Israel's ATU has said the Al Qaeda plans to carry out attacks in Goa in the next two weeks, reports haaretz.com.

The threat has been active for some time. Only last month, security was beefed up in Goa after intelligence agencies warned of a 'Bali-like' attack on the state. Both Bali and Goa are frequented by foreigners, mostly whites.

Haaretz.com quoted Israel's PMO as saying that tourists in Goa are likely to be subjected to 'a concrete terror threat
of an Al-Qaeda attack.'

The web site also quoted Elkana Har Nof of the Anti-Terror Unit telling Army Radio that 'the information shows a serious threat,' necessitating a travel warning.

The ATU usually does not issue a travel warning, except in case of serious threats.

'It is clear to us that there is a terrorist plan -- it has targets, goals, and it is supposed to happen simultaneously
in various areas in Goa,' Har Nof has been quoted as saying.

However, Goa Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane clarified that the state was safe for tourists and that stringent security measures had been put in place.

"We have taken all possible steps to ensure security in the state. There is no reason to fear. We are always prepared to tackle anything," Rane told PTI.

"Goa is a peaceful state and we want to maintain it like that," he said.