U.S. WARNS OF ATTACK ON GULF OIL

WASHINGTON -- The United States has warned of an Al Qaida attack on Western oil employees in the Gulf.The State Department has alerted Americans of the prospect of a range of attacks in the Middle East and Gulf region.

Officials said Al Qaida could be targeting Westerners who work in the defense and oil sectors of Gulf Cooperation Council states, particularly Saudi Arabia."The department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers in the Gulf region," the department said in a March 14 statement.

"Armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance."The State Department said attacks on Americans could take place against aviation, ground transportation and maritime interests.

The statement cited the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa, adding that security concerns could result in the closure of U.S. embassies and consulates.