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'Credible' threats led to U.S. closures in Saudi Arabia

From Elise Labott
CNN Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. State Department closed its embassy and consulates in Saudi Arabia for two days after receiving "specific and credible" threats against its facilities in the kingdom, State Department officials told CNN.

One official said that the United States had "unusually specific and credible" information about plans to launch a vehicle bomb attack sometime on Monday.

The information did not specify which of the U.S. missions was targeted, so the State Department closed its embassy in Riyadh and consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran. They are scheduled to be closed on Monday and Tuesday.

U.S. officials are always on high alert in Saudi Arabia, but there has been a heightened concern recently about attack against U.S. interests the country.

Meanwhile, Australia and Britain warned Monday that militants would soon strike in Saudi Arabia, which is battling supporters of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Saudi officials said they had no information of an imminent attack. (Full story)

On July 20, the embassy sent a "warden's message" to U.S. citizens in the kingdom that warned that more terrorist attacks could be in the works.

The advisory said the embassy "has received indications of operational planning for a terrorist attack or attacks in the Kingdom."

In December, a Saudi-based al Qaeda group claimed responsibility for a raid on the U.S. consulate in Jeddah that killed five non-American consular employees.

U.S. officials said that four gunmen were also killed in the attack. (Full story)

In March, U.S. officials moved Americans living in Jeddah to other locations after an unspecified threat. (Full story)

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