Fear of terrorist attack: Japan warns its citizens in six countries to be vigilant

Southeast Asian countries unaware of attack warning

Citizens living in Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar are advised not to visit places of worship and crowded places.

TOKYO: Japan's foreign ministry has asked its citizens to stay away from places of worship and crowded places in six Southeast Asian countries. The directive was issued by Japan's Foreign Ministry following a warning of a terrorist attack.

"We have received information that suicide attacks may be taking place in these countries," the ministry said in a statement. Japan has instructed its citizens in Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar.

However these countries have stated that they are not aware of any such attack warning. These countries have further stated that even Japan has not given us detailed information about this. Thai Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tani Sangrat said Japan had not said where the warning of the attack came from.

The Japanese embassy said only that the warning was not specific to Thailand. Security agencies also do not have specific information on this. The Philippine Foreign Ministry also said it did not have specific information on the warning of the attack.

A short advisory issued to Japan has asked Japanese citizens in six countries to keep a close eye on local news. However, no specific information has been provided by Japan, including the estimated time of the attack. Japan's foreign ministry declined to comment on the source. Japan sent the advisory to embassies in the six countries.