US sees credible aviation terror threat in KSA

The US embassy in the capital Riyadh had earlier warned Americans of possible attacks during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan in the kingdom, birthplace of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, but the new advisory was the first to discourage travel.

Bin Laden, in an audio tape broadcast on an Arabic satellite television on October 18, had vowed more suicide attacks inside and outside the United States.

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"The US Government continues to receive indications of terrorist threats aimed at American and Western interests, including the targeting of transportation and civil aviation," the advisory said.

"There is credible information that terrorists have targeted Western aviation interests in Saudi Arabia," it added.

"The Department of State warns US citizens to defer non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia. Americans are reminded of the potential for further terrorist actions against US citizens abroad, including in the Persian Gulf region."

The embassy urged the 40,000 Americans in Saudi Arabia to remain vigilant, particularly in public places. The fasting month of Ramadan began on Monday in the birthplace of Islam.

Saudi Arabia launched a crackdown on Muslim militants after al-Qaeda suspects hit an expatriate housing compound in Riyadh in May, killing 35 people including nine Americans.

Officials at Saudi Arabian Airlines declined to comment on the US warning.