The US embassy’s announcement earlier on Friday that it will remain closed on Sunday, August 4, is linked to a perceived terror threat from Al Qaeda, it’s been learned.
The state department is in fact keeping several consulates and embassies around the world closed on the date, due to the security threat.Leading American cable network CBS reported earlier this morning that US intelligence has picked up signs of an al-Qaeda plot against American diplomatic posts in the Middle East and other Muslim countries.
The intelligence does not mention a specific location, which is why all embassies that would normally be open on Sunday have been ordered to close.
That includes embassies and consulates in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, where Sunday is the start of the work week.
In line with this, embassy Dhaka’s announcement to that effect was communicated in the early hours of Friday.
As of 5:35am on Friday, CBS reported some 14 embassies and consulates had announced closures on August 4.
CBS further reported that officials say this appears to be ‘a real plot in the making’ and not just the ‘normal chatter among terrorists’ talking about attacks they’d like to carry out.
Marie Harf, the deputy spokeswoman for the state department, told reporters the decision was made ‘out of an abundance of caution.’
-With UNB/New Age input
