US embassy in Jakarta issues warning after reports of explosions

All US citizens in Jakarta have been advised to shelter in place and monitor local and international media until the situation there becomes clearer, the American embassy said in its second emergency message following reports of explosions and gunfire in the Indonesian capital, ABC News reported on Thursday.

US citizens were warned earlier to avoid sections of downtown Jakarta.

According to the first bulletin, Americans were advised to stay away from the Sari Pan Pacific Hotel and Sarinah Plaza on Jalan Sudirman Thamrin.

"Preliminary reports indicate an explosion and gunfire has occurred in the general vicinity and situation continues to unfold," the warning said.

The second emergency message stated, "media report that there may be explosions in other parts of city and that the original gunmen may have escaped."

Source: MENA