The Dutch Foreign Minister has warned that the death Osama bin Laden could lead to reprisals by al Qaeda or similar organisations.

Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal says the elimination of the al Qaeda leader has given the fight against terrorism a new impulse but his ministry has called on Dutch nationals abroad to be vigilant.

The US government has warned against anti-American sentiment in the world and told American travellers to take care. In some regions, US citizens have been warned to stay indoors.

According to reliable sources, security at the US embassy in The Hague has been tightened, with a more visible police presence outside. CIA chief Leon Panetta says al Qaeda will definitely try to avenge the death of its leader.

The Netherlands' National Coordinator for Counterterrorism warns that new networks set up by followers of Osama bin Laden still pose a threat. Last week, a Dutch teacher on a school trip was killed in a bombing in Marrakesh.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte reassured the public that the Dutch security services remain alert, although there have been no direct indications of reprisals targeting the Netherlands. On public radio, he warned “There are enough madmen willing to do the most terrible things.”

(nc/dd)

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide