ABU DHABI ø In an unprecedented move, Saudi Arabia has warned its
citizens of an imminent Al Qaida attack and has identified a car they say is about to explode.
Saudi authorities said Al Qaida has prepared a car bomb for an attack in
Riyad. They have called on citizens to be on the lookout for such a vehicle.
The ministry identified the vehicle as a burgundy 1991 GMC Suburban with
the licence plate number 034. The ministry said the vehicle last seen in Al
Rabwa area in eastern Riyad.
[Earlier, Saudi authorities arrested a chemistry teacher on suspicion of
links to Al Qaida, Middle East Newsline reported. The Okaz daily said the high school teacher, identified
only as Al Shihri, was found with weapons and material for making explosives
in the Asir region.]
The Saudi Interior Ministry said the car laden with explosives was
registered to a fugitive sought by authorities. They also said the car was
last seen in eastern Riyad in a section known for its Al Qaida sympathies.
"The Interior Ministry would like to notify both citizens and residents,
especially in Riyad, that we have confirmed information that a vehicle
registered in the name of one of the suspects has been equipped with a large
quantity of explosives to be used in a criminal act," the ministry said in a
statement carried by radio and television.
Saudi police and security forces have increased their presence around
Riyad. They were said to be on high alert in the Saudi capital since
Wednesday and monitoring all those entering diplomatic quarters of the city.
On Saturday, U.S. Central Command chief Gen. John Abizaid met Saudi
Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz in Riyad. The two sides were said to
have discussed military and security cooperation.
