Bahraini officials yesterday downplayed the warning issued by the United States urging its citizens to consider leaving the kingdom, as the Pentagon said it was "temporarily relocating" hundreds of non-essential members of the Navy's Fifth Fleet and their families to the US.
An officer at the Naval Support Activity (NSA) base which houses the fleet headquarters told Gulf News about 650 people would leave the kingdom following the order.
The decision comes two days after the US State Department issued a statement warning of imminent attacks on US and other Western targets in Bahrain, citing "credible information."
"The Department has received information that extremists are planning attacks against US and other Western interests in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Credible information indicates that extremists remain at large and are planning attacks in Bahrain," the statement said.
"This is only an anticipatory warning based on information the US government had received," a top official at the Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Gulf News.
He said the US government had advised Bahrain of its intent to release the warning prior to its release on Thursday.
Another official said the country was "safe and stable" despite the recent incidents in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
"Security authorities are vigilant and would not tolerate any attempt to threaten the safety of citizens and residents," he added.
The US Embassy on Friday said it was cancelling a 4th of July reception which was to take place at a five-star hotel "for security reasons."
A spokeswoman for the US Embassy said US citizens who travel to or remain in Bahrain despite the travel warning should register at the embassy and enroll in the warden system (emergency alert network) to obtain updated information on travel and security in Bahrain.
However, officials of the Fifth Fleet said that ceremonial plans for Independence Day "remained in effect."
The celebrations include performances today by blues guitarist Brint Anderson and his ZZ Top tribute band, Zu Zu Mud, said Commander James Graybeal of the NSA.
He said that the Fleet Command was reviewing security measures to ensure the safety of US servicemen and their families.
He confirmed that 650 people would be leaving Bahrain shortly. They include non-essential personnel and the families of the servicemen and women.
The decision by the Pentagon is the first mandatory order of nature in the region since the September 11 attacks, according to sources.
The British Embassy said that its 'high alert' previous travel advisory that was issued late last year remained unchanged.
Bahrain is home to the Fifth Fleet Central Command with 4,500 service members stationed here.
Gulf News
