Homeland Security

DATE=5/20/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S / SAUDI TERROR (LONG)

NUMBER=2-303429

BYLINE=DALE GAVLAK

DATELINE=CAIRO

INTERNET=YES

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S diplomats say more terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia may be imminent and U-S missions in the kingdom are being closed as a result. V-O-A's Dale Gavlak has the details from our Middle East bureau in Cairo.

TEXT: A U-S Embassy spokesman in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, says the embassy and consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran will be closed for several days. The spokesman, Michael Macy, says the U-S government is taking precautionary measures in response to reports that terrorist strikes may be imminent.

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The embassy continues to receive credible information that further terrorist attacks are being planned against unspecified targets in Saudi Arabia.

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Mr. Macy says no decision has yet been made about when the embassy and consulates may reopen.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said his country has increased security in anticipation of more attacks. He described the threat of more attacks as high.

Last week, suicide bombers targeted Westerners in Riyadh, and in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, killing more than 50 people and wounding hundreds.

On Monday, Saudi and U-S officials reported that they had new intelligence indicating that Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida terrorist network may carry out fresh attacks in the United States or against U-S interests overseas. (SIGNED)

NEB/DG/AWP/RAE/FC