Mary Mostert, Editor, Reagan Information Interchange
July 1, 1996
Editor's Note In January, the State Department issued the following warning of further possible or impending attacks on Americans in Saudi Arabia - Question: Why was nothing done in January to improve security for American military? Why was a terrorist able to drive a bomb within 80 feet of a multi-storied American military barracks? Was this incompetence - or due to the Clinton cutbacks and/or veto of the Defense Budget?
January 31, 1996
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate Release
On January 30, 1996, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, issued the following Public Announcement:
"The U.S. Embassy has received new and disturbing reports that additional attacks may be planned against institutions identified with the United States and its interests in Saudi Arabia. While these attacks could occur anywhere in the Kingdom and include official as well as unofficial targets, the U.S.Embassy believes that potential targets in Riyadh are especially at risk at the present time. The Embassy and Saudi security authorities are working closely to take additional steps to ensure the safety of Americans in the Kingdom.
The Embassy reiterates that all Americans in Saudi Arabia should continue to exercise caution, keep a low profile, reduce travel within Saudi Arabia, and treat mail received from unfamiliar sources with suspicion. Americans in Saudi Arabia should be especially vigilant at all times and under all circumstances of their personal security and surroundings, and should report any suspicious or unusual activities to the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. consulate."