Bidar: The Indian Air Force base in Bidar, which will soon be the only centre in the country training pilots to fly the Hawk jet trainer, has been put on a `general red alert' after a warning from the U.S. Embassy about possible terror attacks.

Security has been strengthened at all four gates leading to the base and the number of guards has been doubled. Night patrolling has also been stepped up.

All roads running through the base have been declared `no thoroughfare' routes. Staff living on the base and outside have been asked to take additional precautions. They have been told not to accept parcels from unidentified persons, among other things, Air Force sources said.

Special measures have been taken to tighten security at the Air Force Communication Control Centre on the Bidar-Udgir road. It is strategically located and is one of the most important installations at the base. Any attack on the centre will jeopardise operations at the base.

"This `general red alert' is a state of preparedness to face any eventuality. This is not to combat any specific attack," sources said.

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