U.S. Consulate Attacked in Saudi Arabia
Dec 6, 11:07 AM (ET)
By FAIZA SALEH AMBAH
JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - Islamic militants threw explosives at the gate of the heavily guarded U.S. consulate in Jiddah in a bold attack Monday, then forced their way into the building and held civilians at gunpoint, prompting a gunbattle. At least 12 people, including five local staff, were reported killed in the three-hour assault.
Saudi security officials said four of its forces died in the clash and the Interior Ministry said three of the five attackers were killed. The other two were injured and captured. Five members of the consulate's non-American staff died, according to the U.S. Embassy.
Several Americans were slightly injured, according to a State Department official in Washington.
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