[Washington, DC] -- The Saudi Interior Ministry has announced that early this morning Saudi security forces killed 6 terrorist suspects and injured one more in a gunfight that ensued after the wanted individuals answered demands to surrender by opening fire and throwing grenades at the security forces. Two security men were killed and eight sustained minor injuries during the engagement. The incident took place in Qasim Province, about 220 miles north of the capital, Riyadh, at a farmhouse where, according to information reports, these wanted individuals were being harbored. Security forces encircled the area, evacuated women and children, and then demanded that the wanted suspects surrender, at which time the firing began. Saudi security forces arrested the four persons who had been harboring the suspects at their farmhouse.

Since May 2003, Saudi Arabia has arrested more than 150 individuals with suspected ties to terrorism. This is in addition to more than the 300 arrests of terrorist suspects since September 11, 2001.

Ambassador to the United States Prince Bandar bin Sultan stated: “We truly appreciate the bravery and sacrifice of the law enforcement personnel who gave their lives while pursuing these criminals. We also appreciate the vigilance of our citizens. These criminals are running out of places to hide and we are pursuing them vigilantly.”

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