RIYADH/JEDDAH, 13 September - The United States swiftly introduced security measures for US civilians in the Gulf and sealed off its military bases following the massive attacks that rocked New York and Washington on Tuesday.
The US Embassy in Riyadh has informed its citizens that it will remain open only for essential services.
In a "warden message" received here, it said "visa and other American citizen services will be provided only on an emergency basis."
Until further notice, mission personnel have been advised to remain at home unless they have essential business to conduct.
The US Consulate General in Jeddah announced that it had taken extraordinary precautions in the wake of the unprecedented terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.
A recorded telephone message at the consulate said it would provide only essential services until further notice.
All American centers, including the American School, remained closed. The school board would review the situation and notify parents accordingly, the consulate stated.
Some anxious Americans here continue to be in the dark about the fate of their friends and relatives in New York.
"I've been trying to establish contact with my niece, who lives around the Manhattan district of New York. But so far I haven't succeeded," a Pakistani doctor said.
"We're eagerly waiting for details to come out to find out who the victims of these horrendous attacks are," said an Indian business executive whose close relatives reside in New York.
Meanwhile, airline sources said yesterday that they were ready to fly to the US as soon as its airports reopened for normal operations.
Those stranded in European points like London, Paris and Rome were reported to have been accommodated in hotels.
Western defense sources told Reuters that although all US forces overseas had been put on top alert, the measures might not directly affect US-British air patrols enforcing a no-fly zone in Iraq.
US troops guarding the perimeter of Camp Doha on the outskirts of Kuwait City have all pulled back into the compound, which has been sealed off to minimize any threat.
Similar measures were taken across the Gulf region, where the United States has some 15,000-25,000 military personnel.
In Qatar, witnesses said local authorities blocked access roads to US military facilities.
Gulf residents reported heightened security for civilians.
In Dubai, the Gulf's main trading hub, some hotels are asking to inspect the luggage of some guests before checking them in, a businessman said.
"We deeply appreciate the numerous messages of sympathy that we have received from our Kuwaiti friends," a US Embassy spokeswoman said.
A Defense Ministry official said Kuwait had boosted the number of troops on high alert and increased checks and patrols to secure its airspace and maritime borders. The airport was put on high alert.
Heavily armed Kuwaiti security forces were deployed late on Tuesday around compounds where Westerners live.
