10 Aug 2013

Embassies reopen after al-Qaeda threat

7:23 pm on 10 August 2013

The United States says most of the embassies and consulates closed this week because of an al-Qaeda terrorist threat will reopen but the embassy in Yemen will remain closed.

The buildings in the Middle East and Africa were orginally closed after messages between al-Qaeda supporters, thought to be orders to mount an attack, were intercepted.

Eighteen of the 19 diplomatic missions that were shut are to reopen on Sunday or Monday.

The US State Department hasn't indicated whether it believes the perceived threat has now disappeared, the BBC reports.

The United States had earlier said the closures were "out of an abundance of caution".

The American consulate in the Paksitani city of Lahore will also remain closed after non-essential staff were evacuated on Thursday in a separate threat.

An official said at the time that the move was in response to a credible threat to the consulate.