the Island over the need for heightened security following the attack on a US warship last week in Yemen.

American Consulate Jennifer Schools said the White House put all of its foreign posts on heightened alert last Friday and asked for all of its citizens to be made aware of the need for vigilance.

The warning follows the suicide bombing of the USS Cole in the Yemen last Thursday, killing 17 sailors and injuring many more.

She said it was unlikely that Americans living in Bermuda would be targeted by terrorists, but everyone had to be on their guard.

Ms Schools said: "Because of events in the Middle East and the extent of the tensions and fighting, it provides an opportunity for terrorists to heighten their attacks on US citizens abroad.

"We at the consul are taking additional measures, keeping our eyes wide open to notice anything suspicious, and are being particularly cautious at the moment.

"We have asked Government to increase Police patrols around the consul area and we have spoken to our own security and asked them to be more aware than usual.

"People should be more vigilant and if they see anything suspicious, they should call Police.'' A Police spokesman said he had nothing to say about the warning at this time.