Homeland Security

DATE=12-17-03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S/SAUDI WARNING (S-ONLY)

NUMBER=310965

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The State Department has issued a new travel warning for Saudi Arabia because of what it says are "credible" threats of terrorism. Non-emergency embassy employees and dependents of U-S diplomats have been authorized to leave the country on a voluntary basis. V-O-A's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

TEXT: The travel advisory for Saudi Arabia is the third of its kind this month and appears to reflect growing concern about the prospect of new terrorist attacks against Americans and other foreigners there.

It says a so-called "authorized departure" of dependents and non-essential personnel from the U-S embassy in Riyadh and consulates in Jidda and Dhahran was put in effect Monday.

It warns U-S citizens to defer travel to Saudi Arabia and says those already in the country should consider leaving.

The advisory says the U-S government continues to receive indications of terrorist threats against U-S and Western interests including the targeting of civil aviation.

It notes past attacks on housing for foreigners and says there is "credible information" that terrorists continue to target such compounds, especially in the Riyadh area.

The last such attack, on a Riyadh compound for mainly-Arab foreigners November 8th, killed nearly 20 people and wounded more than 100 others. (Signed)

NEB/DAG/PT/RH