KUWAIT, 23 May 2003 — Kuwait has beefed up security around Western diplomatic missions and vital oil facilities as authorities braced for possible terror attacks, a security official said yesterday.
Interior Ministry spokesman Gen. Adel Al-Hashash said extra troops and security measures had been deployed around embassies, consulates and all other areas frequented by Westerners after suicide bombers struck earlier this month in neighbouring Saudi Arabia and Morocco.
“Fifteen departments, including the state security agency, have gone on the highest state of alert and are working around the clock as of Wednesday evening,” he told Reuters.
“The ministry has found it suitable to implement such precautionary plans until the situation calms down,” he said. Kuwait’s announcement comes a day after the Arabic al-Jazeera television network broadcast what it said was a tape from one of Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden’s top aides urging Muslims to attack Americans, Jews and British interests.
