looking grim

U.S. Embassies to Close for a Week

As Senator says the threat is 'reminiscent' of pre-9/11

On Sunday, the U.S. closed down 21 embassies across North Africa and the Middle East—some of which will stay shuttered from as long as a week—due to intelligence of a potential al Qaeda–inspired attack. Earlier in the day, Sen. Saxby Chambliss, the ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, revealed that messages intercepted have similarities to the "chatter" that preceded 9/11. "This is the most serious threat I've seen in the last several years," he said. Although information on the threat is not available to the public, another senator claimed the administration has identified 25 embassies that are particularly at risk. Diplomatic missions in Algiers, Kabul, and Baghdad will reopen Monday.