Britain and Australia have issued warnings for travel to Saudi Arabia, highlighting "credible" reports that terrorists are planning attacks on Westerners, as America closed its embassies in the country.

A notice on the British Embassy’s website warned of a continuing "high threat" of terrorism in the kingdom. The advice, posted late yesterday, said non-essential staff and dependants at UK missions in the country are being allowed to leave if they wished.

The revised travel advice cautions: "There are credible reports that terrorists are planning further attacks in the near future. There is a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. We continue to believe that terrorists are planning further attacks, including against Westerners and places associated

with Westerners in Saudi Arabia."

Thos who choose to travel to, or remain in Saudi Arabia are cautioned to take "all necessary steps" to protect their safety and maintain a "high level" of vigilance. A more detailed note on the website warns that aviation interests remain a possible terrorist target.

The Foreign Office in London said the reference to credible reports about terrorists planning new attacks was a response to the move by the American Embassy to shut all three of its missions to Saudi Arabia today and tomorrow because of threats against American government buildings in the kingdom.

The American Embassy warning was the second in two weeks. It warned Americans on July 25 that militants were probably plotting new attacks in the kingdom.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned Australians not to travel to Saudi Arabia, while nationals in the kingdom were urged to depart or exercise extreme caution. Australia believes that terrorists may be planning to attack residential compounds in Saudi Arabia, according to a Reuters report.

Since May 2003, Islamic militants have carried out numerous suicide bombings, including on Western housing compounds, and kidnappings and have regularly battled security forces. The attacks have been blamed on al-Qaeda and its allies.

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