US posts in 19 countries will remain closed

WASHINGTON — The State Department says US diplomatic posts in 19 countries in the Muslim world will be closed through Saturday "out of an abundance of caution."

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki (SAH'-kee) says the decision to keep the embassies and consulates closed is "not an indication of a new threat."

Diplomatic facilities will remain closed in Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, among other countries.

The Obama administration announced Friday that the posts would be closed over the weekend and the State Department announced a global travel alert, warning that al-Qaida or its allies might target either US government or private American interests.