GEORGETOWN (Reuters):

American and Guyanese authorities said they were investigating on Saturday a threatened chemical attack against United States (U.S.) airlines flying out of the tiny Caribbean country.

An email sent to newspapers, airlines and the U.S. Embassy in Guyana threatened an attack from an "independent militant group" against U.S. carriers American Airlines and North American Airlines, as well as Trinidadian carrier BWIA.

The threat involving flights to Britain, the Caribbean and Africa came as Guyana is making security a priority before next year's Cricket World Cup, when the country expects about 30,000 visiting fans.

Not taking any chances

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Transportation Safety Authority have begun an investigation, U.S. Embassy spokesman Niles Cole said.

"The U.S. Government takes threats against American citizens seriously at all times, regardless whether or not the threat turns out to be valid or credible," he said.

The Guyanese Government said in a statement it suspected the threat was a prank, but was taking the email seriously and had instructed security services to investigate.

Flights to and from Georgetown have not been affected by the scare.