Security has been tightened at embassies, airports and public buildings across Australia in case of any backlash after Monday's military strikes on Afghanistan, officials said.
Protection for Prime Minister John Howard and other political leaders was also stepped-up after a meeting of Australia's anti-terrorist Special Incidents Task Force which recommended reinforced security around embassies and consulates of the countries participating in the US-led retaliation.
But the anti-terrorist alert does not cover private industry such as well-known US companies, Australian Attorney-General Daryl Williams said through a spokeswoman.
"Security arrangements have been strengthened for those countries with an involvement in the international action and key public and government sites, and also for Australian aviation," she said.
Prime minister John Howard said, however, the additional precautions would not be a guarantee against any retribution in Australia due to the government's support of the military attacks.
But he stressed that Australians should not be paralyzed by concern or allow their lives to be disrupted.
While Australian troops were not part of the initial military move against Afghanistan, forces might soon be called on.
Meanwhile, the roads around the US embassy in Canberra have been closed off indefinitely. Security around the embassy and US consulates throughout Australia was upgraded after the September 11 terrorist attacks in Washington and New York.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Peter Ryan said the state's Olympics' security plan had been updated to deal with the potential for new terrorist threats at key sites.
"We've made sure that officers are patrolling in a highly visible way in areas that are likely to be subject to attack, terrorist attack or just someone damaging property or injuring people," Ryan said -- SYDNEY (AFP)
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
