Indonesian Muslim groups warn Americans, allies

Security has been stepped up outside the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, after recent anti-American protests.

By Atika Shubert
CNN

JAKARTA, Indonesia (CNN) -- Members of militant Islamic groups entered hotels Sunday in an Indonesian city warning "Americans and their allies" to leave if the United States launches an attack on Afghanistan.

Radical Muslims in the central Java city of Solo visited six hotels and demanded to see guest lists to identify American and European guests.

The Muslims were part of an alliance of four different local Islamic militias. They came in groups of 20 to 25, although only three group representatives entered the hotels to speak with management.

CNN.COM SPECIAL REPORT  VIDEO/AUDIO U.S. military on the move Sights and sounds  MORE STORIES Recorder reveals details of Flight 93 struggle Pakistan outlines conditions for assisting U.S. The mighty and the meek, missing together Times Square activists urge peace, not war  EXTRA INFORMATION U.S. aircraft overview Chronology of terror CNNFN: Special Report  RESOURCES Emergency contact information Maps Voices

"They were very polite. They said they were only looking for data on where American and Europeans were staying," said Dewi Romlah, deputy manager for the Novotel, the largest hotel in Solo.

"They said that if America attacked Afghanistan, they would come back to take further action."

Sulaiman al-Farizi, the group representative entering the Novotel, left pamphlets warning that "if the United States attacks Afghanistan, all Americans and their allies must leave Solo."

There were no details on what action the Muslim groups might take.

The threats come just days after Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri promised her country's support in combating international terrorism. Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation.

Last week, militant Islamic groups in Jakarta made a joint statement threatening to attack U.S. interests and citizens if there was an attack on Afghanistan.

RESOURCES At a glance: Indonesia

Security around the U.S. Embassy and consulates has been stepped up following several anti-American protests last week, including one in which Islamic students burned the U.S. flag.

Also in Jakarta on Sunday, two bombs exploded in the parking lot of a busy shopping mall, severely damaging several cars.

At least eight people suffered minor injures.

Police are investigating whether the incident is related to a series of bombings in Jakarta, including an explosion in the same shopping mall last month.

Police said there is no indication Sunday's bombs were linked to anti-American threats.