The Ministry of Interior issued a statement yesterday to announce that four suspects who were arrested in Jeddah August 21 were part of a wider group of Al-Qaeda militants arrested around the Kingdom.

Security efforts resulted in the arrest of 34 suspected Al-Qaeda militants of different nationalities in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and Jeddah. The militants were linked to inmates who had escaped from Al-Malaz Prison on July 6, 2006.

The four suspects arrested in Jeddah surrendered after security forces besieged their hideout in an apartment building in Al-Jamea district. A gunfight ensued, but security forces were able to evacuate the building’s residents and no one was killed. Two of the suspects had escaped from Al-Malaz Prison on July 6, 2006.

Yesterday’s statement added that during the siege, security forces repeatedly appealed to the militants to surrender. After doing so, the suspects were taken to the hospital for medical treatment and allowed to contact their families. The suspects will face questioning according to investigation procedures.

In the militants’ hideout, security forces seized weapons, explosives, communication devices and documents.

The Ministry added that it is providing a chance for all those involved in illegal activities to surrender and face fair trials.

Return