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Us intensifies warning on terrorism in saudi arabia { December 17 2003 }

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   http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/17/international/worldspecial2/17CND-SAUDI.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/17/international/worldspecial2/17CND-SAUDI.html

December 17, 2003
U.S. Intensifies Warning on Terrorism in Saudi Arabia
By DAVID STOUT

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 — The State Department intensified its warnings about terrorism in Saudi Arabia today, advising Americans not to travel to that country and telling non-essential diplomatic employees they can leave if they wish.

"The U.S. Government continues to receive indications of terrorist threats aimed at American and Western interests, including the targeting of transportation and civil aviation," the department said in a statement that superseded an alert of Dec. 8.

"American citizens in Saudi Arabia should remain vigilant, particularly in public places associated with the Western community," the department said.

It is not uncommon for the State Department to issue warnings about travel to certain countries, and the agency takes pains not to sound alarmist. But recent events in Saudi Arabia have heightened concerns.

Last May, attacks at three housing projects in the capital, Riyadh, killed more than 30 people, including several suicide bombers. American and Saudi officials blamed the bombings on Al Qaeda terrorists.

On Nov. 8, a terrorist attack by suspected members of Al Qaeda on a residential compound in Riyadh killed 18 people and wounded scores of others. About two weeks later, Saudi security forces said they thwarted a car-bomb attack in Riyadh and killed two suspected militants.

And on Dec. 2, United States Embassy officials in Riyadh said they had learned that terrorists had a housing compound under "active surveillance," and that other housing complexes may become targets.

Today, the State Department said that "credible information indicates that terrorists continue to target residential compounds in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Riyadh area, but also compounds throughout the country."

Saudi Arabia has been under pressure from the United States to crack down on militant groups. Security forces have arrested scores of militants in the past year, but many more remain at large.



Copyright 2003 The New York Times Company


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