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31/05/2004
Travel warning issued following Saudi terror outrage
The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia after 22 foreign nationals – including a British oil executive – were killed by Islamic militants at the weekend.
Sixty-two-year-old Michael Hamilton was shot dead by Al Qaeda terrorists who entered a residential compound for western nationals in Al Khobar on Saturday. The four-man terror gang ran amok killing at least 13 people before fleeing to a nearby building where they reportedly took 50 foreigners hostage.
The ensuing 25-hour standoff was ended yesterday when helicopter-borne Saudi security forces stormed the building. However, three of the hostage-takers managed to break through a security cordon and are currently on the run – the gang's leader was captured.
It later emerged that nine hostages had been killed in the building, bringing the body count to at least 22.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw strongly condemned the terrorists, saying he was "appalled" by the incident.
He added: "I want to extend my condolences to the families of all the victims of these terrible attacks. The United Kingdom stands with the Government and people of Saudi Arabia in their fight against terrorism."
Britain's ambassador to the country is travelling to the area, and British officials in Al Khobar are also in close touch with the British community and the Saudi authorities, the Foreign Office said.
The Foreign Office has said that it believes terrorists remain "determined to carry out further attacks in Saudi Arabia", and that these may be in the "final stages of preparation". The threat includes, but is not limited to, residential compounds and diplomatic and other official premises, the department said.
Travellers have been urged to take all necessary steps to protect their safety and maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. Britons should adopt a "low profile" and avoid public gatherings, which could lead to disorder, the Foreign Office advised.
Following last weekend's atrocities, the number of people killed in the kingdom this month stands at least 29 – three of which were Britons. On May 1, terrorist attacks in the Red Sea town of Yanbu resulted in at least six deaths, including two British nationals.
Militants have been able to strike with deadly effect across the kingdom, despite claims by the authorities that the situation is under control.
On 21 April 2004 a truck bomb in a street in Riyadh killed at least five people and injured about 150. On 9 November 2003, terrorists attacked a residential compound in Riyadh killing 18 and injuring more than 80. This attack followed co-ordinated bomb attacks against residential compounds in Riyadh on May 12 last year, which resulted in the death of more than 30 people, including two British nationals – many more were injured.
(gmcg)
Sixty-two-year-old Michael Hamilton was shot dead by Al Qaeda terrorists who entered a residential compound for western nationals in Al Khobar on Saturday. The four-man terror gang ran amok killing at least 13 people before fleeing to a nearby building where they reportedly took 50 foreigners hostage.
The ensuing 25-hour standoff was ended yesterday when helicopter-borne Saudi security forces stormed the building. However, three of the hostage-takers managed to break through a security cordon and are currently on the run – the gang's leader was captured.
It later emerged that nine hostages had been killed in the building, bringing the body count to at least 22.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw strongly condemned the terrorists, saying he was "appalled" by the incident.
He added: "I want to extend my condolences to the families of all the victims of these terrible attacks. The United Kingdom stands with the Government and people of Saudi Arabia in their fight against terrorism."
Britain's ambassador to the country is travelling to the area, and British officials in Al Khobar are also in close touch with the British community and the Saudi authorities, the Foreign Office said.
The Foreign Office has said that it believes terrorists remain "determined to carry out further attacks in Saudi Arabia", and that these may be in the "final stages of preparation". The threat includes, but is not limited to, residential compounds and diplomatic and other official premises, the department said.
Travellers have been urged to take all necessary steps to protect their safety and maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. Britons should adopt a "low profile" and avoid public gatherings, which could lead to disorder, the Foreign Office advised.
Following last weekend's atrocities, the number of people killed in the kingdom this month stands at least 29 – three of which were Britons. On May 1, terrorist attacks in the Red Sea town of Yanbu resulted in at least six deaths, including two British nationals.
Militants have been able to strike with deadly effect across the kingdom, despite claims by the authorities that the situation is under control.
On 21 April 2004 a truck bomb in a street in Riyadh killed at least five people and injured about 150. On 9 November 2003, terrorists attacked a residential compound in Riyadh killing 18 and injuring more than 80. This attack followed co-ordinated bomb attacks against residential compounds in Riyadh on May 12 last year, which resulted in the death of more than 30 people, including two British nationals – many more were injured.
(gmcg)
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UK embassy in Riyadh evacuated over terror threats
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UK embassy in Riyadh evacuated over terror threats
The UK embassy in Riyadh has been closed today over fears that more terror attacks are on the way. In an interview with Radio Four today, the British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sir Derek Plumbly, said that the embassy would be closed to the public for a few days.
14 May 2003
Foreign Office warns Britons to stay away from Saudi
British nationals should avoid travelling to Saudi Arabia in the wake of Monday's suicide bombings which devasted residential compounds and a office in the kingdom's capital Riyadh. The Foreign Office issued travel advice for Saudi Arabia warning against all but essential travel.
Foreign Office warns Britons to stay away from Saudi
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13 August 2003
BA suspends flights to Saudi Arabia over 'security concerns'
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BA suspends flights to Saudi Arabia over 'security concerns'
British Airways has announced that it is to suspend all flights to Saudi Arabia "due to heightened security concerns in the region". BA said that it would suspend flights until further notice follows discussions earlier today between the airline and the British government's Department for Transport.
29 October 2007
Saudi King's Visit Sparks Controversy
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Saudi King's Visit Sparks Controversy
A visit by to the UK by Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah is causing controversy. King Abdullah is due to arrive in the UK on Monday afternoon and his visit is due to begin formally on Tuesday. This is the first time that as Saudi monarch has visited Britain for 20 years.
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