Chemical threat to Brits

2003-03-18 18:46

London - Britons in Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen have been warned that they face an increasing terrorist threat and that any attack could involve the use of chemical or biological agents.

The foreign office said that the threat from terrorism to British citizens in the three countries was already "high" and will increase further in the event of war with Iraq.

At the same time, the FCO revised its travel advice to Lebanon to caution against all non-essential travel.

Britons already in Lebanon were advised to consider whether their presence was essential.

The FCO issued the same terrorism warning in relation to Oman.

Earlier in the day, officials warned British nationals to leave Bahrain and Jordan unless their presence was essential.

In their revised advice on Yemen, the foreign office said: "In view of the risk of hostilities with Iraq, there is an increase in the threat to British nationals in neighbouring countries, including from Iraq.

"There is reliable evidence that international terrorists are targeting western, including British interests, in Yemen.

"The threat to British individuals and organisations from terrorism is now high. It will rise further in the event of hostilities with Iraq.

"Terrorist attacks in the region could involve the use of chemical and biological materials."

In relation to Saudi Arabia, the FCO noted: "Since November 2000, there has been a series of bombings, seven of which have killed and injured British nationals and other Westerners. A British national was recently shot and killed at traffic lights in Riyadh."

On Lebanon, the advice included: "We advise against non-essential travel including holiday travel to Lebanon (but excluding airline passengers in transit, provided they do not break their journey). If you are already in Lebanon, we advise you to consider whether your presence is essential.

"You should maintain a high level of vigilance and observe good security practices.

"We have authorised the voluntary departure of the dependants of the staff of our Embassy in Lebanon, and authorised the departure of non-essential staff who wish to leave."

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