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Al Qaeda threat: 19 US diplomatic sites to remain closed through next weekend

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Al Qaeda threat: Despite the seriousness of the Al Qaeda threat, the apparent targeting of US interests abroad – rather than in the US proper – suggests the group's aspirations have contracted since 9/11.

A Bahraini armored personnel vehicle reinforces US Embassy security just outside a gate to the embassy building in Manama, Bahrain, on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013.

The US has extended the closure of some of its embassies across the Middle East and Africa through the end of this week, amid fears of an imminent attack by Al Qaeda against Western targets within the region.

Arthur Bright is the Europe Editor at The Christian Science Monitor.  He has worked for the Monitor in various capacities since 2004, including as the Online News Editor and a regular contributor to the Monitor's Terrorism & Security blog.  He is also a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

CNN reports that 15 of the 22 embassies and consulates that the US closed on Sunday, a normal work day in the region, would remain closed through the week until Saturday, according to a statement from the US State Department. Four additional diplomatic sites, all in Africa, would also be closed, the statement said. The threat is believed to be meant to coincide with the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which wraps up with the celebration of Eid on Wednesday night.

"This is not an indication of a new threat stream, merely an indication of our commitment to exercise caution and take appropriate steps to protect our employees including local employees and visitors to our facilities," the State Department said.

The US has also issued a travel alert regarding the possibility of an Al Qaeda-related attack. The alert runs until the end of August.

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