TIMES ONLINE: A senior Saudi prince who heads the country’s anti-terrorism campaign has survived a suicide attack on his office in Jeddah.
Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Interior Minister in charge of security, escaped with only minor injuries when a suicide bomber blew himself up as the prince was about to join a gathering of well-wishers for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
It was the first known assassination attempt against a member of the royal family since Saudi Arabia began its crackdown on al-Qaeda affiliated militants eight years ago after the September 11 terror attacks in the US.
According to a local news agency, the militant who attacked Prince Mohammed had previously expressed his intention to give himself up to the official. >>> Times Online | Friday, August 28, 2009
ARAB NEWS: JEDDAH: Prince Muhammad bin Naif, assistant interior minister for security affairs, escaped an assassination attempt on Thursday night when a wanted terrorist blew himself up inside the prince's house here.
The minister escaped with minor injuries in the suicide bombing that was staged by the terrorist posing as a well-wisher. The body of the terrorist, the only death in the incident, was shattered into bits and pieces.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah visited Prince Muhammad at the hospital soon after the incident to inquire about his health and safety. The king thanked God for saving the minister's life, and commended his services to the country.
The king asked Prince Muhammad why was the terrorist allowed in without proper checks, to which the prince replied, “It was a mistake.”
According to a statement issued by the Royal Court, the suicide bombing took place at 11.30 p.m. while Prince Muhammad was receiving well-wishers who came to greet him on the occasion of Ramadan at his house in Jeddah.
"Among them there was a wanted terrorist, who had previously expressed his desire to surrender himself to the prince," the statement said.
Prince Muhammad said the criminal act would only strengthen his resolve to do more to reinforce the country's security and stability.
"The wanted criminal exploded himself during security inspection," the royal court said, adding that the prince escaped the assassination attempt with minor injuries. The bomb had been fixed to his body and that was triggered when the terrorist received a call from outside, according to Al-Arabiya news channel.
"Nobody else suffered any injuries," the royal court said. The prince later left the hospital after undergoing necessary tests and treatment. >>> Arab News | Friday, August 28, 2009
