US advises ‘appropriate level of security awareness’ in Gulf states
US embassies in the Gulf issued security alerts to its citizens, citing “heightened tensions in the region” following the assassination of senior Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, reports Simeon Kerr in Dubai.
In Bahrain, the US embassy warned Americans of the potential for spontaneous demonstrations that could possibly escalate into violence.
The Gulf kingdom, a close US ally, was paralysed by pro-democracy protests in 2011 led by the majority Shia community. The uprising, while violently quelled, occasionally flares up in isolated demonstrations across the country, where the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet is based.
“While we have no information indicating a threat to American citizens, we encourage you to continually exercise the appropriate level of security awareness…in the face of any anti-US activity that may arise in Bahrain,” the embassy said in a security alert on its website.
After Friday prayers, a small group marched in one Shia village, carrying placards reading “Death to America, Death to Israel”, according to one person briefed on the demonstration.
US and Israeli flags were reportedly placed at the entrances of several mosques, allowing worshippers to tread on them on their way to prayer.
The embassy in Manama urged US citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the local authorities.
In Kuwait, the US embassy said it would increase its security posture “out of an abundance of caution”. It will remain open during regular business hours.
While unaware of credible threats against private US citizens in Kuwait, the embassy advised a high level of vigilance.
In the United Arab Emirates, the US encouraged its citizens to “maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness”.
