ABU DHABI — The United States has issued an alert for an Al Qaida
attack in Saudi Arabia.
The statement said Al Qaida has targeted housing compounds and other
Saudi facilities inhabited by Westerners. No further details were provided, Middle East Newsline reported.
"The American embassy in Riyad advises all American citizens living in
Saudi Arabia that it has received indications of operational planning for a
terrorist attack or attacks in the kingdom," the statement said. "The
embassy has no specific information concerning timing, target or method of
any possible attack[s]."
The embassy urged Americans in
Saudi Arabia to "maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate
steps to increase their security awareness."
"The steps that we urge people to take are: be attentive to your
surroundings; don't go out to commercial establishments unless you really
need to; vary your times and routes," State Department deputy spokesman Adam
Ereli said in Washington on Wednesday.
Hours later, the Saudi Interior Ministry reported the discovery of a
bomb factory in a hideout 60 kilometers southeast of Riyad. The ministry
said security forces found more than two tons of equipment, including
chemicals required for bombs.
"After capturing several suspects, the security agencies were able to
discover several terrorists' hideouts, used as a base for the production of
terror and destruction tools," the ministry said in a statement.
On Thursday, Interior Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Mansour Al Turki
said an imminent attack was possible. Al Turki did not discuss information
that warned of an Al Qaida strike.
"The warning is a routine measure by the U.S. embassy," Al Turki said.
"Security agencies are working intensively to prevent such activities and
have been successful."
In an unrelated development, the Saudi ambassador to the United States
has formally resigned. Prince Bandar Bin Sultan, who served in Washington
for 22 years, has stepped down for what the Saudi Foreign Ministry said were
"private reasons."
"In troubled times, U.S. presidents past and present have relied upon
ambassador Bandar's advice," White House press secretary Scott McClellan
said. "In good times, they have enjoyed his wit, charm, and humor.
Throughout his tenure ambassador Bandar has remained a close, steadfast
friend to the United States."
Bandar was expected to receive a major post over the next few months.
Later, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said Saudi ambassador to London, Prince
Turki Al Faisal, would replace Bandar.
"Confirming the king's trust in Prince Turki Al Faisal, ambassador of
Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, the king has
nominated him as the new ambassador to the United States," the Foreign
Ministry said.
