US Embassy Msg: Exercise Caution in the Eastern Province

EMERGENCY MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS

February 12, 2012

The U.S. Consulate General in Dhahran continues to advise U.S. citizens living in, or considering travel to, Qatif, Awamiya, Safwa and Saihat in the Eastern Province, to exercise caution and be aware of the potential for protests that sometimes result in violence.  At least two persons have reportedly been killed and a number of others injured in the last several days following confrontations between demonstrators and government security forces in the city of Qatif.

U.S. citizens are advised to avoid large crowds or public gatherings.  While demonstrations may appear peaceful, the potential exists for rapid escalation of a situation.  Regardless of where you are, it is always advisable to keep your security and situational awareness levels high. 

Please follow these good personal security practices:

Avoid crowds or large gatherings when traveling in public;

Know where you are going and have a plan of what to do in the event you encounter demonstrations or violence;

Identify safe areas (for example police stations, hospitals, Saudi Government buildings) in your area and how to get to them quickly;

Tell co-workers or neighbors where you're going and when you intend to return;

Minimize your profile while in public;

Always carry a cell phone and make sure you have emergency numbers pre-programmed into your phone such as U.S. Consulate General in Dhahran (03-330-3200), the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh (01-488-3800), and U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah (02-667-0080).  The emergency number for the Saudi Police, Fire, and Rescue is 999;