October 14, 2004
UK Independent
British nationals in northern Iraq may be targeted in "a direct threat of kidnap to foreign nationals", The Foreign Office said.
The FO also warned that the number of attacks in Iraq were "likely" to increase during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting which starts on Friday.
The new advice comes after the beheading last week of British hostage Ken Bigley, who had been snatched with two American engineer colleagues by militants.
The FO also issued new travel guidance tonight for Egypt following three recent car bombings in resorts, which killed at least 34 people.
A FO spokeswoman said it had amended its advice for Iraq and Egypt "to reflect the most up to date information on the continued threat from terrorism".
Its current information about Iraq advises "against all but essential travel" to the country, and that the "security situation is dangerous".
The new guidance states: "There is a direct threat of kidnap to foreign nationals in northern Iraq and we believe that British nationals may be targeted.
"There continues to be widespread outbreaks of violence and threats to kidnap British and other foreign nationals. It is likely that there will be an increase in the number of attacks during Ramadan from October 15 to November 14."
The travel advice for Egypt now includes the warning: "The threat from terrorism in Egypt remains. The threat from terrorism on the east coast of the Sinai Peninsula is high. Following terrorist attacks in Taba and Ras Shaitan near Nuweiba on October 7, our assessment is that further terrorist attacks may be likely. We will be keeping this advice under close review."
About 368,000 Britons visited Egypt in 2003, mainly as tourists. Most visits are trouble free, the FO said. It added: "Crime rate is low but you should safeguard valuables, including passports and money."
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