Raw Data: Kenya, Saudi Arabia Warnings

U.S. embassies in Kenya and Saudi Arabia issued warnings to Americans on Tuesday because of fears of possible terror attacks. Below are the transcripts of the warnings.

Public Announcement on Kenya

This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to the potential for terrorist activities in Kenya. This Public Announcement supplements the Travel Warning for Kenya, issued on September 25, 2003, and expires on January 9, 2004.

The following information has not been corroborated, but, in the interest of time and public safety, the Department felt it prudent to provide the same information to the traveling public. Recently, the U.S. Government received an anonymous warning detailing terrorist threats aimed at American and Western interests in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, specifically the Stanley Hotel and the Hilton Hotel. The timing of the threat is within the next several days.

American citizens in Kenya should remain vigilant, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, and cafes, and should also avoid demonstrations and large crowds. A travel warning issued in September 25, 2003, remains in effect. It urges all Americans to defer non-essential travel to Kenya at this time.

Public Announcement on Saudi Arabia

The Embassy continues to be concerned about the current security situation in Saudi Arabia, particularly housing compounds in the Riyadh area.

Recent, confirmed information indicates that the Seder Village housing compound in Riyadh has been under active surveillance by terrorist elements and that other Western compounds within the Kingdom may also be targeted. In response to this threat, the U.S. Embassy has restricted its American employees and dependents from visiting housing compounds in the Riyadh area between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except for official business.

The U.S. Embassy urges all American citizens to remain vigilant. Maintain a low profile and follow prudent security practices, such as varying times and routes for essential travel, parking vehicles in protected areas, and checking vehicles before use. Americans should avoid places and areas where Westerners are known to congregate.