U.S. Embassy in Japan cautions Americans after possible threat

TOKYO — The U.S. Embassy said Wednesday it had received a possible threat against U.S. facilities in Japan and warned American citizens to be on guard against suspicious activities.

The embassy, which remained open for business today, would not say how or when the threat had been received. Officials refused to specify what precautions had been taken.

"The U.S. Embassy has learned of a possible threat against American facilities in Japan, the credibility of which has yet to be determined," the warning sent to U.S. citizens via e-mail read.

"Given the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, we advise American citizens to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities to authorities," it added.

U.S. Embassy official Doug Morris said he could not add to the warning, and that the Embassy would determine whether to take further action as it investigated the credibility of the threat.

Maj. Richelle Dowdell, spokeswoman for U.S. Forces Japan, said she had not heard about the threat, and that security levels at the USFJ headquarters had not been affected.

Some 50,000 American troops are based in Japan.

Information

U.S. Embassy in Japan: http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/ (click on Warden Message)

The Tokyo Metropolitan police department has received no reports about any threats, damages or incidents at U.S. related facilities in Japan, a police spokesman said.