RIYADH, 9 August 2005 — Following the security warning issued by the US Embassy in Riyadh yesterday, three more foreign missions have alerted their respective communities in the Kingdom to be cautious. Diplomats at the British, Australian and Canadian missions in Riyadh said they had requested their citizens to take precautionary measures in the light of the announcement made by the US Embassy.
The US Embassy and its Consulates General in Jeddah and Dhahran were closed for business yesterday and today.
A spokesman at the British Embassy said the embassy had updated its travel advisory with the following amendment: “There are credible reports that terrorists are planning further attacks in the near future.” Some 25,000 Britons live in the Kingdom.
The Australian Embassy also reviewed and revised its advisory. The warning stated: “Australians should defer non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia. We have received credible reports of attacks in Saudi Arabia in the near future. This follows other recent reports suggesting that terrorists may be planning to attack residential housing compounds in Saudi Arabia. Australians who choose to remain in Saudi Arabia should exercise extreme caution, including in places known to be frequented by foreigners, and monitor developments that might affect their safety.” According to the embassy some 4,000 Australians live in the Kingdom.
“We have updated the security warning in order to alert Canadians working here,” a spokesman from the Canadian Embassy said. He added that there were more than 6,000 Canadians working in the Kingdom. The revised version of the embassy advisory states: “Canadians in Saudi Arabia should regularly review their personal circumstances to determine if their continued presence is warranted. If Canadians feel their personal safety is threatened, they should consider departing from Saudi Arabia.”
