American embassy in Manama abrogates national day celebrations

The American embassy in al-Manama abrogated the celebrations of July 4th celebration which were due yesterday because of security fears.

This decision, however, comes after the US Department Of State permitted families of the embassy's employees and non- basic staff to leave the country of Saturday, one day after the decision to evacuate 650 members of the American employees and military families who live in the Kingdom and their presence considered as not essential.

In a new warning message, the US said it had received information saying that what it described as extremists are preparing for attacks against the American interests and the interests of other western states in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The US also renewed its call for the Americans to postpone their flights to Bahrain and called on those who will travel -- despite the warning -- to register their names in the warning network affiliate to the embassy to get latest information pertaining to the security situation in Bahrain.

This, however, is the second warning of its kind addressed by the US since the beginning of July, despite confirmations made by Bahrain's prime minister Sheikh Khaleifa Bin Salman al-Khaleifa that his country is safe and urging the Americans to stay.

Sheikh Khaleifa said that Bahrain was and is still the oases of security and the ability to maintain the interests of persons and establishments that the land of Bahrain hosts.

Just less than two weeks ago, Bahrain detained 6 persons over being suspected of supporting al-Qaida organization, and planning to launch attacks in the Kingdom, but they were released over the lack of evidence.

Bahrain is the headquarters of the fifth American fleet. It is linked to a bridge over the waters of the Gulf to Saudi Arabia which witnessed a wave of al-Qaida attacks against westerners.