Serious terrorism warnings were issued this week.
The U.S. embassy in Riyadh is warning Americans in Saudi Arabia about an increased risk of terrorist attacks. An embassy advisory issued Saturday warns that it "...continues to receive information that terrorist groups within the kingdom are still active and planning future operations."The embassy statement said that the terrorist groups may focus their operations during the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when it said Americans should be particularly vigilant. Ramadan begins either Sunday or Monday, depending on when the new moon appears.
On Friday, the British government warned that terrorists may be in the "final phases" of planning attacks in the kingdom and advised its nationals to avoid all un-essential travel to Saudi Arabia. Australia issued a similar warning to its citizens on Thursday.
via Voice of America
Israeli site DEBKA was even more dire, as it is wont to be.
DEBKAfile counter-terror sources revealed: Specific al Qaeda terror warnings rise to 20. US special forces capture key al Qaeda men in successful raids this week in Yemen, Pakistan, Kashmir and Kazakhstan. Interrogations revealed imminent al Qaeda strikes planned for Saudi Arabia, Gulf emirates and Middle East countries including Israel. Governments warned.
This might well fit al Qaeda's longstanding interest in multiple, simultaneous attacks to achieve maximum PR impact. I am not diabolical enough to yet understand their reasoning for attacks during Ramadan.
Posted by Alan at October 25, 2003 11:29 AM