AL QAEDA THUGS LED SAUDI RAID
New York Post ^ | 12/07/04 | ANDY SOLTIS
 

The Saudi wing of al Qaeda claimed responsibility for an attack yesterday on the heavily fortified U.S. consulate in the Saudi city of Jeddah in which at least nine people died.
The terrorists managed to haul down and burn the American flag — and use hostage staffers as human shields — before they were killed or captured.

"This operation is part of al Qaeda's plan to fight the crusaders and Jews and to expel infidels from the Arabian Peninsula," said a statement that was posted on several Web sites. "The mujahideen will continue firmly on their path."

The bloodshed ended after a four-hour shootout. "The attack . . . reminds us that the terrorists are still on the move," President Bush said.

[snip]

Earlier in the day, Saudi officials said a "deviant" group — their term for al Qaeda sympathizers — began the attack at 11 a.m. sneaking on foot behind an embassy car as it entered the consulate.

The five terrorists lobbed hand grenades at guards to take control of the gate area, which lies inside the compound's outer wall, officials said.
 
 
 
 

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