Jeddah-
War in progressthese wars are sequel of the ‘greater war’ on terror unleashed by US. These would have not happened if greater war would not be going on, the short termism of those who cannot see beyond the tip of their nose is shocking. from North Waziristan to suburbs of Jeddah Alqaeda is being eliminated, that is war taken to the external boundaries of USA, but many just don't realise the benefits of this to the world at large and US in particular.. ..
Saudi security forces exchanged sporadic fire with suspected Al Qaeda militants holed up in the eastern oil city of Dammam on Monday after deadly clashes in a busy street where many western firms have offices.
The authorities described the besieged militants as “members of the deviant group” – official Saudi terminology for Al Qaeda militants who have carried out a wave of shootings and bombings in the kingdom since May 2003, much of it targeting westerners.
“Sporadic gunfire is continuing around the buildings where the members of the deviant group are holed up,” the security source said. “The security forces have reinforced their positions and are bringing in bulldozers and additional heavy equipment. We’re in no rush to storm the buildings as we’re hoping to capture them alive and obtain information.”
Explosions were heard in the area and ambulances rushed to the scene to evacuate an unknown number of casualties, witnesses said, while local press reports said six to 10 militants were still holed up. Saudi internet site Al-Wifaq said one policeman had been killed and six wounded on Monday, although police were unable to confirm the toll. One witness said he saw scared children being driven out as a helicopter hovered overhead. The besieged militants were holding off security forces with improvised grenade launchers, the security source said. Residents said security forces were out in force throughout the city.
The US Consulate in neighbouring Dhahran said it would close for an unknown period of time because of the “standoff between Saudi security forces and an unknown number of terrorists in Dammam,” according to a statement.
The clashes came days after western governments warned fresh terror attacks might be imminent in Saudi Arabia, but the authorities had hailed a series of successes against militants in recent weeks. The oil fields of the eastern province are the most heavily guarded part of the kingdom. afp
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