RIYADH, 21 May 2003 — The United States, Britain and Germany are closing their embassies in the Kingdom today. The three Western countries cited security concerns in the wake of suicide bombings in Riyadh last week as reasons for their decision.
The US embassy in Riyadh and its consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran will remain closed at least until May 25, a statement released by the US Embassy said yesterday.
The embassy said there was credible information that terrorist groups may launch fresh attacks in the Kingdom, mainly against US interests.
“In response to information that some strikes may be imminent, the embassy and consulates general in Jeddah and Dhahran will be closed on May 21,” it said. “Although no decision has yet been made as to when the embassy and consulates may reopen, it will not be prior to Sunday (May 25) as mission offices are normally closed on Thursdays and Fridays and will be closed Saturday for Memorial Day,” the advisory said.
The embassy message recalled that US missions in Saudi Arabia remain on “ordered departure” status after a series of alerts. “Mission dependents and non-emergency personnel are departing the country. Those remaining continue to have their movements restricted to essential travel only, and mission children are not returning to school,” it said. The US has also renewed its warning against travel to Saudi Arabia.
The British Foreign Office said it would close its embassy and two other offices in the Kingdom from today.
“We have received credible information that further terrorist attacks against unspecified targets in Saudi Arabia are being planned and may take place imminently,” a Foreign Office spokeswoman said in London.
The spokeswoman said the situation would be kept under review but it was planned to reopen the embassy and offices on Saturday. At this stage, it was intended that staff would continue to work from the buildings.
Germany said it was closing its embassy and mission to visitors at least until Friday due to security concerns.
