British expats in the Middle East should watch out for terror attacks as jihadists target them, warns the British Foreign and Commonwealth office (FCO).
The FCO says terrorists have threatened British civilians and interests in many places worldwide, but the most likely place an attack will occur is Saudi Arabia.
The threats relate to British aid to Arab countries fighting the Islamic State advance in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.
One country key to local operations is Saudi Arabia, which has seen two suicide bomb attacks in mosques within a week.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for both attacks, in which many attending Friday prayers were killed or injured.
“Posts on jihadist web sites encourage attacks against British and other western interests, including teachers, schools and oil workers,” said an FCO spokesman.
“The Saudi Ministry of Interior has advised that security forces had been placed on alert following reports of a threat to Aramco oil installations and shopping malls throughout the kingdom.”
Besides the terror warning, the FCO has urged British expats to stay away from the Saudi border with Yemen,
Watch out for nutty drivers
The local custom of chewing betel nuts is a driving hazard for expats and visitors to the Solomon Islands, says the FCO.
The problem is overtaking drivers often find the driver of the car they are passing will throw open a door without warning to spit the nut out on the road, causing them to swerve to avoid a collision.
“The fact that there are few roads on the islands and that most are full of ruts and pot holes does not help,” said a spokesman. “Drivers should be vigilant when overtaking.
“Driving at night even in built up areas is a challenge as few pedestrians take care when crossing roads and a number of fatal accidents have been reported.”
Air traffic control strikes
Spanish air traffic controllers plan strikes on June 8, 10, 12 and 14.
The strikes may disrupt international flights over Spain as well as flights in and out of the country.
The FCO advises anyone flying on those dates should check with their airline in case alternative arrangements or cancellations are made.
Find latest travel warnings
- To check out the latest British government worldwide travel warnings, go to the FCO web site and select a country
- The US government also issues regular travel warnings online
- For ABTA travel information, visit their web site
