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| Arabia |
| Reports: Saudi Forces, Militants Clash |
| 2003-08-12 |
| "Rock the Casbah" is my favorite tune by the Clash. Security forces stormed several buildings in a Riyadh suburb and traded fire with suspected militants Tuesday, news reports said. It was the second day of reported clashes in Saudi Arabia. Jamil Thiabi, correspondent of the Lebanese Broadcasting Corp. in Riyadh, said Saudi security forces stormed buildings in the al-Suweidi suburb and surrounded a building under construction. ``Armed men in the building are hurling hand grenades and opening automatic rifle fire on the security forces,’’ he said. "You’ll never take me alive, copper!" Helicopters were circling the area in pursuit of militants, the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya satellite station reported. The reports could not be independently confirmed, and it was unclear if there were any casualties. We hope so. On Monday, Saudi police arrested 10 militants who allegedly belonged to a terrorist cell planning to attack a British target, according to a Saudi government official. For a country with no terrorists, there sure seems to be a whole lot of shooting going on. The bombings in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, sparked unprecedented public discussion of the role of religion in Saudi society, with some daring to argue that the strict form of Islam preached in the kingdom fostered intolerance and extremism. And some arguing that they ain’t strict enough. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #7 "Rock the Casbah" is my favorite tune by the Clash. A little something from Peter Bergen's book Holy War, Inc.: As to America, I say to it and its people a few words: I swear to God that America will not live in peace before peace reigns in Palestine, and before all the army of infidels depart the land of Muhammad, peace be upon him. -- Osama bin Laden, in a videotaped statement first aired on October 7, 2001 Shareef don't like it Rock the Casbah Rock the Casbah -- from "Rock the Casbah", The Clash Exactly as it appears in the Afterword chapter of the book. I need a Rock the Casbah bumper sticker ;) |
| Posted by: Raphael 2003-8-12 7:22:39 PM |
| #6 "Some of this is beginning to look like open warfare." Works for me. :-) |
| Posted by: Barbara Skolaut 2003-8-12 6:24:13 PM |
| #5 Is there an overt Saudi revolt brewing ? Some of this is beginning to look like open warfare. |
| Posted by: buwaya 2003-8-12 5:45:33 PM |
| #4 By golly, you're right. I have to snicker at the image of Mahmoud kicking off his pointy-toed shoes and hollering "Feet, don't fail me now!" |
| Posted by: Fred 2003-8-12 3:44:23 PM |
| #3 Just think, before the Riyadh bombings on May 14th, there were no "militant" or "terrorist" elements in Saudi Arabia. Amazing, isn't it? In just 3 short months they've gone from perfect peace (snicker) to running gun battles in the streets and capturing tons of explosives and arms. The growth medium (read: shit) of Saudi Wahabbism is nigh unto magical. Rather akin to Miracle Gro for asshats. I guess the Friday prayers are like Plant Lights, too. And the "subjects" of the Saudi Royals could be equated to mushrooms, as well. A hothouse of Izzoid stupidity. A day (read: generation) late and a dollar (read: 3.7401 SR) short. Methinks that for SaoodiLand (read: the Royals), peace is a Bridge Too Far. |
| Posted by: ·com 2003-8-12 3:43:54 PM |
| #2 This should be in Arabia. |
| Posted by: Steve 2003-8-12 3:20:32 PM |
| #1 More details from Reuters: Four policemen and a Muslim militant were killed in clashes in Riyadh Tuesday after Saudi security forces raided a militant stronghold in the city, Saudi security sources said. "The shooting has now eased off," one security source told Reuters more than five hours after the clashes started. Other sources said four policemen and a militant were killed in the pitched battles that broke out. "More than 15 were wounded," a security source said without giving details. A resident reached by phone in the southern neighborhood of the Saudi capital said at least five houses were targeted in the raid, in which security forces were backed by helicopter gunships. "Security forces are using helicopters," said the resident about the fighting, in which the sound of machine guns and exploding grenades echoed through the area. "The operation is very big. The whole area is surrounded by security police. It is a big area," he added. Residents saw police drag out and arrest suspected militants. "I saw one man break free from police and run away after kicking off his shoes. Police were chasing him," a resident said. Ambulances sped from several houses in the district which is known as a fundamentalist stronghold. Police cordoned off the area, preventing passers-by and reporters from approaching. |
| Posted by: Steve 2003-8-12 3:18:55 PM |