The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia announced Friday that the individuals killed during the latest security clashes on Thursday alongside Saleh al-Oufi were two of the Kingdomâs most wanted members of al Qaeda. They are Majid Hamed al Haseri and Mohammed Abdullah Owaida. Their identities were confirmed after the Ministry carried out DNA analysis.
 "Sam, run some DNA tests on these things and see if you can get an ID!"
"Sure, Dr. Quincy!... Say! What are these things?"
"I think this one's a lip. I'm not sure what the other one is, but it looks important, doesn't it?" |
Al Haseriâs name featured in the list of 36 names announced by Saudi Arabia in June of this year. He was 29 years of age and lived in Riyadh. Owaidaâs name, however, was not included.
| He was going to be on the next list. |
According to new information obtained by Asharq Al Awsat, al Haseri died after his explosives belt detonated during following exchanges of fire in one of the capitalâs northern neighborhoods on Thursday. He had recently moved to the capital, after hiding in Medina, to hold discussions with other militants.
| That worked well. I wonder if he made it to closing on his new house? |
Speaking exclusively to Asharq Al Awsat, a security source said al Haseri was one of the most loyal supporters of al Oufi who died during clashes with security forces in Medina also on Thursday, in what was known as the al Oufi cell active in western Saudi Arabia and especially in Medina. The source added, âWe have captured most of al Oufiâs supporters and killed his lover closest aid, Majed al Haseri.â According to the same source, al Haseri was âknown for his religious extremism. He used to be active in the anti-smoking campaign and developed increasingly militant beliefs around 1995 after which he became wanted by the authorities.â
| That's the way they start, y'know. First it's cigarettes, then bosoms, then they memorize the Koran and blow up. |
Commenting on the relationship between the two al Qaeda militants, the source revealed, âAl Haseri enjoyed al Oufiâs manly affections trust and was kept away from major operations in order to act as a safe haven if needed. However, after the authorities captured messengers who passed on messages between the two, al Haseri sensed danger and went into hiding until he was killed in Riyadh .
| Didn't hide very well, did he? |
He was able to evade capture by Saudi security forces by âusing forged documents and moved around the Kingdom with al Oufi who was in drag dressed as a woman.â Not known to have visited Iraq or Chechnya, al Haseri had traveled to Afghanistan in the past. On the presence of other wanted militants with the same surname, the source confirmed that two other men are on the list of 36 most wanted. They are, âSultan Saleh al Hasseri, and Mishal al Haseri. The first is still at large while the second was killed during recent clashes in Riyadh. They have the same surname but are not brothers or first cousins.â
| They were just good friends... |
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