WASHINGTON, May 1 (UPI) -- The State Department on Thursday warned U.S. citizens that terrorists may be in "final phases" of preparing strikes against U.S. targets in Saudi Arabia, asking them to defer all non-essential travel to the Arab nation.
"Information indicates that terrorist groups may be in the final phases of planning attacks... There is no information regarding the possible target," the statement released Thursday said.
The warning replaces a similar one released in February. The State Department has warned of the increased likelihood of terror attacks in the Middle East since the run-up to the Gulf War. Indeed a worldwide caution of one kind or another has been in effect since September for all U.S. citizens abroad.
The warden message to U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia advises that potential targets may include residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches. The message warns Americans to "increase their security awareness when at such locations."
Senior Pentagon officials have recently said they intend to remove American forces from Saudi Arabia in the coming months.
