Thursday, Apr 22, 2004
RIYADH ATTACK: Terrorists target security building
By Atul Aneja
MANAMA, APRIL 21. At least 10 people are feared killed in a suicide car bomb attack on the headquarters of security forces in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Eyewitnesses said they saw a car driving up to the protective barrier of the headquarters. The vehicle exploded just after guards stopped it. Local people said they saw 10 bodies and dozens of wounded being carried into ambulances. Saudi authorities described the explosion as a "terrorist attack". The Dubai-based Al Araybia television network said the body of the suicide bomber has been found. Buildings of Saudi Arabia's state television and Information Ministry are also located next to the blast site. Saudi police have frequently clashed with Islamist militants around Riyadh in the last fortnight. Officials say they have intercepted five vehicles packed with explosives. The United States last week had ordered all non-essential diplomatic staff to leave Riyadh.
Riyadh suffered two major suicide bombings in 2003, when a total of 51 people were killed in the attacks in May and November, including the bombers.
The Crown Prince Abdullah, Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, had said at last Monday's Cabinet meeting that terrorism would be confronted and every citizen was now a member of the security forces.
Copyright © 2004, The Hindu.