FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2004
Saudis crack down on tailors dressing militants
REUTERS
RIYADH: Saudi authorities have increased inspections at tailor shops in a bid to stop the illegal production of military uniforms used by Al Qaida militants bent on toppling the pro-US monarchy.
Above the clatter of sewing machines, many tailors said on Wednesday that inspectors had warned them against selling uniforms to people without a military identification card.
"Every two weeks there is a police inspection at our shops," Indian tailor Ulom said in his tiny shop, one of several lining Riyadh's Al-Wazir street where the bulk of uniforms are made.
"If I don't ask for IDs, I could be arrested," he says, holding his hands in a cuffed position. The government began restricting access to uniforms after Al Qaida militants, in military or police gear, escalated their battle against the government and the western residents they regard as "infidels".
In one of the bloodiest attacks by Osama bin Laden's group, militants masquerading as security men killed 22 civilians in a May shooting and hostage-taking spree in the oil city of Khobar.
In November 2003, suicide bombers also got into a Riyadh housing compound by dressing up as security forces. At least 18 people, mainly Arabs and Muslims, were killed in that attack.
And repeating a frequent claim, Al Qaida said in an internet publication that some policemen had helped them kidnap US engineer Paul Johnson - whom they beheaded last week - by providing uniforms and cars. The government denied the report.
At least 85 civilians and police have been killed by Al Qaida, blamed for the September 2001 attacks on US.
The Saudi authorities say the militants often copy military costumes and paint cars in police colours. But some militants used to serve in the security forces and diplomats said they often use their IDs and contacts to legally obtain props. Saleh al-Awfi, tipped to be the new Al Qaida leader in the kingdom, was a former interior ministry employee.
Mohammed,another Indian tailor, said he was happy to comply with the government regulations because he wants to make sure he is outfitting the "good guys" and not the "deviant faction".
"By God, it's a crime what's happening," he said as he carefully measured green camouflage cloth. "But we only service people with military ID cards," he added.
Saudi forces won a major battle against the group on Friday when they shot and killed four prominent militants, including Saudi's Al Qaida leader Abdulaziz al-Muqrin.
Despite the government's efforts, some Saudis say anybody can buy the costumes without the mandatory documents.
The shop's provide uniforms for cadets at military school and officers. "Yes, there are restrictions but a trader will often forgo IDs for a
profit," said one Saudi journalist. "Buying a military outfit is as easy as buying a can of soft drink."
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