RIYADH, 30 May 2004 — “The US Mission in Saudi Arabia wishes to advise the American community that on the morning of May 29, 2004, terrorist attacks were carried out against at least three Western targets in the city of Alkhobar. Foreign nationals, including Westerners and Saudi citizens were killed in the attacks. In light of the terrorist attack in Yanbu on May 1, 2004, and this latest attack in Alkhobar, the embassy reiterates its previous warning strongly urging American citizens to depart the country.”
So read a message sent through the US Embassy’s Warden Network after the terrorist attacks yesterday in Alkhobar. The Warden Network is a volunteer alert network to keep Americans in Saudi Arabia informed of serious security threats.
Robert Keith, press attache at the embassy, said the US Consulate in Dhahran will be closed to the public through May 30. The US missions were on a scheduled closure yesterday for the Memorial Day holiday. Keith told Arab News that the mission has also advised its American personnel not to leave the Diplomatic Quarter until further notice.
He further said that the movement of American personnel at the consulates in Dhahran and Jeddah has been similarly restricted to a specified area. However, he said the American Embassy in Riyadh and the US Consulate in Jeddah would remain open for normal business.
American citizens requiring assistance from the embassy or its consulates in Dhahran or Jeddah have been advised to contact the consular officials of the missions during normal working hours from Saturday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During non-working hours, Keith said a duty officer is available and can be reached by dialing the embassy or consulate and following the recorded instructions.
In a Warden’s Message issued back on April 15, US citizens were advised to defer travel to the Kingdom and private Americans staying in Saudi Arabia were urged to leave the Kingdom. The mission also told its people to maintain a low profile and follow prudent security practices, such as varying times and routes for essential travel, parking personal vehicles in protected areas, and checking vehicles before use.
In London, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said he was appalled by yesterday’s attacks in Alkhobar.
“I am appalled by the attacks... and strongly condemn these acts of terrorism,” Straw said in a statement which offered condolences to the victims’ families.
“The United Kingdom stands with the government and people of Saudi Arabia in their fight against terrorism.”
