Westerners warned they are targets in Kuwait

Westerners living in Kuwait were warned today that an individual or group of people are driving around the oil rich nation with the intent of attacking them.

The US embassy in the Gulf emirate said it was “issuing this urgent message because it has received credible information that an individual or individuals moving about Kuwait in a black-coloured small sedan intend to randomly attack Westerners".

It advised Americans who saw suspicious vehicles matching the description to quickly leave the area and contact the police with details.

“The Embassy reminds all US citizens to exercise caution, maintain a low profile, and avoid areas where Westerners are known to congregate,” the message said, warning of the continued potential for terrorist acts against Americans.

Late last year the embassy had also warned Americans of possible attacks against them. Around Christmas, the US State Department said it had information that terrorist groups were developing plans for possible attacks in this small Gulf state, which is a major ally of Washington.

Earlier this month, Kuwait stepped up security at road junctions, near hotels, embassies and oil installations following a number of threats.