U.K. Upgrades Saudi Travel Advisory Â
The UK Foreign Office has upgraded its advice against non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia. It says terrorists may be in the “final preparations” of an attack. Monday’s British Airways flight 263 from London Heathrow to Riyadh was cancelled amid security fears. The Foreign Office has since issued a renewed warning not to travel to Saudi Arabia. “We advise British nationals against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia. Following terrorist attacks in Riyadh in May and November 2003, we believe that terrorists remain determined to carry out further attacks in Saudi Arabia, and that these may be in the final stages of preparation.”
It adds that attacks could be directed at private residences. “The threat includes, but is not limited to, residential compounds.” Two British nationals were killed in a bomb attack on a residential area of Riyadh in May 2003.
The advice to British travelers and workers echoed the travel advisory issued earlier by the US State Department, “The U.S. Government continues to receive indications of terrorist threats aimed at American and Western interests, including the targeting of transportation and civil aviation. American citizens in Saudi Arabia should remain vigilant, particularly in public places associated with the Western community. Terrorists have attacked residential housing compounds in the Riyadh area in 2003. Credible information indicates that terrorists continue to target residential compounds in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Riyadh area, but also compounds throughout the country.”
In November 2003, the Saudi authorities intercepted a terrorist vehicle laden with explosives. They have confirmed that the Seder Village compound was among the probable targets. The Saudi authorities have enhanced their security measures, including those at residential compounds that house expatriates who work mainly in the international oil and telecommunications industries.
By David Browne
eTN London
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February 18, 2004
Posted in: Travel Advisory