U.S. on high alert in Algeria

ALGIERS — The U.S. Embassy in Algiers on Friday ordered its employees to tightly restrict their movements and urged other Americans in the North African country to do the same, citing indications of possible terrorist attacks.

Security concerns have been high in the Algerian capital since Dec. 11, when suicide bombings targeted United Nations offices and a government building, killing at least 37 people, including 17 U.N. employees. An Algeria-based Al Qaeda affiliate claimed responsibility for the attack.

"In response to continuing indications of possible terrorist attacks in Algiers, the embassy has instructed its employees to avoid nonessential movement around the city until further notice, and may occasionally restrict movement completely," the embassy said in a message.

The message also "strongly encouraged" American citizens in Algeria to avoid restaurants, nightclubs, churches and schools frequented by foreigners.