Author:
Publication: CNN News
Date: November 8, 2003
URL: http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/11/08/british.warning/index.html
The British government is warning
of "high threats" of terrorism against Westerners and other targets in
the Gulf- Arab nations of Bahrain and Qatar.
Eyewitnesses in Bahrain confirmed
to CNN that there is a tightening of security around the British Embassy
and other Western sites. But a British Embassy spokeswoman said security
has not been increased and security personnel are following normal procedures.
On Friday, the U.S. Embassy and
consulates in Saudi Arabia were ordered closed temporarily because of concerns
that terrorists may be planning to launch an attack inside the kingdom.
In travel alerts Saturday on the
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Web site, it says "We judge that
there is a high threat from terrorism against Western, including British,
targets.
"We are particularly concerned about
potential threats to places where Westerners might gather. You should review
your security arrangements carefully. You should remain vigilant, particularly
in public places."
The alerts said "developments in
Iraq and on the Middle East peace process continue to have an impact on
local public opinion in the region and this might be expressed by some
people.
"You should follow news reports
and be alert to regional developments. You should take sensible precautions
for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations."
The British government has also
issued lower-level terror alerts for Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates,
saying there are "significant" threats of terror in those countries.
An advisory put out Friday by the
U.S. Embassy in Riyadh explained that the embassy "continues to receive
credible information that terrorists in Saudi Arabia have moved from the
planning to operational phase of planned attacks in the kingdom."
The closures affect the U.S. Embassy
in Riyadh and consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran. The advisory said they
would be closed Saturday. One State Department official said they would
remain closed Sunday and Monday.
The intelligence does not suggest
any specific target or time, but officials said they assume American diplomatic
and military facilities in Saudi Arabia would be high on terrorists' list
of desired targets.
Officials said the intelligence
includes "chatter on Web sites" and comments on publicly released audiotapes
of al Qaeda leaders, as well as other information that has been gathered.
Another reason for concern about
possible attacks, U.S. officials said, is that the Muslim holy month of
Ramadan began last week.
The U.S. government has been working
with Saudi authorities to fight terror since the triple bombings in May
that targeted apartment complexes housing Westerners. Those bombings left
23 people dead, including nine Americans. Twelve bombers were also killed.
During the closures, U.S. diplomats
will be reviewing security measures, explained the official.
Americans in the country will be
informed when the review is done and the U.S. mission plans to go back
to normal operations, the advisory said.
Also this week, the State Department
warned of threats of anti-American violence in the Middle East and North
Africa, "including terrorist actions that may involve commercial aircraft
and maritime interests."
The public announcement specifically
mentioned the risk of such actions in the Middle East, including the Red
Sea area, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa.
And it reminded Americans about
the terrorist threat in Southeast Asia, especially urging them to avoid
the Malaysian state of Sabah.
