RIYADH, 3 May 2004 — The US Embassy has issued a warden notice limiting the movements of embassy staff “off the Diplomatic Quarters in Riyadh and the Consulate compounds in Jeddah and Dhahran to essential activities only.”
The mission told staff not to take up any engagements other than official business, medical and dental appointments. Social events on embassy or consulate grounds involving outside guests have been canceled.
The mission reminded all personnel 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. Embassy personnel in Riyadh continue to observe a mandatory 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew on visiting residential compounds in the Riyadh area.
A warden message on Saturday reminded American citizens of the continuing threat of anti-American violence and terrorist attacks against US citizens and interests, specifically in the Middle East.
The advisory, released following the Yanbu attacks, cautioned the American community that “terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official US facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets, such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate.”
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Embassy in a warden notice reiterated previous warnings but took no further steps to encourage its citizens to leave the Kingdom.
The notice confirmed no New Zealanders were killed in the attacks and said the mission was monitoring events through contacts with the British Embassy.
