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| Arabia |
| Mystery Indian led to al-Qaeda hunt |
| 2004-04-28 |
| Saudi Arabia’s security forces are besieging al-Qaeda terrorists in a mountainous area in Al-Ammariya, about 35 km northeast of the capital Riyadh. They were tipped off about the location by a kidnapped Indian who had escaped from the terrorists. Surprisingly, however, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is in the dark about both the Indian and the incident. MEA director Venu Rajamony said he was unaware of the event. Navtej Sarna, MEA spokesperson, said the ministry was not informed of the developments. Officials in the Indian embassy in Riyadh too had been kept in the dark about the developments. Head of Chancery Sanjay Rana from Riyadh said the embassy officials would find out more. However, according to sources, there was no reported information about any kidnapping of any Indian in Riyadh. The terrorists have been hunted since they fled Wadi Hanifa two weeks ago, abandoning their truck. Arab News reports that the terrorists were located in the area when heat sensors and night vision binoculars revealed that one of the five had been injured and that the other four were carrying him. According to Al-Riyadh newspaper, an Indian who was kidnapped by the terrorists and forced to help them, tipped off the security officers about the present location of the militants. The Indian gave his captors the slip after being held for a week and informed local officers at a police checkpoint in the area. The newspaper also reported that the militants had run out of food and were in danger of starvation if they did not give themselves up. The rugged nature of the area makes it not easily accessible by car or jeep. There are also many caves and other possible hiding places in the area. The suspects are said to be armed with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. |
| Posted by:Dan Darling |
| #3 Whiteman, AQ went that-a-way. [points in opposite directions simultaneously] |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2004-04-28 1:49:05 PM |
| #2 "What do you mean 'We', Brown man? |
| Posted by: Frank G 2004-04-28 9:46:58 AM |
| #1 Tonto always was reliable. |
| Posted by: Chuck Simmins 2004-04-28 8:39:10 AM |