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'Despicable' Saudi Bombings 'Have Fingerprints' of al Qaeda

Tuesday, May 13, 2003
By Kathleen T. Rhem
American Forces Press Service

"(The) attacks in Saudi Arabia, the ruthless murder of American citizens and other citizens remind us that the war on terror continues," President Bush said today as he expressed sympathy for those injured and for the families of those killed. "These despicable acts were committed by killers whose only faith is hate," Bush said, adding that the United States will find the killers. "And they will learn the meaning of American justice," he said to strong and extended applause.

WASHINGTON -- AFIS
Three suicide bombings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 12 were a "well-planned terrorist attack," Secretary of State Colin Powell said today while touring some of the damaged areas.

Speaking in Indiana, President Bush called the attacks "the ruthless murder of American citizens."

Suicide bombers attacked three residential areas with high concentrations of Americans and other Westerners at about 11 p.m. local time, shortly before Powell arrived in the city for a scheduled visit. Press reports put the death toll at 29, including nine terrorists, with nearly 200 others injured in the blasts.

Powell originally said there were 10 Americans killed in the attacks. Later, he said "maybe a little less." He added that he would leave official announcements to the Saudi Information Ministry.

During his visit to one of the blast sites, the secretary said the attacks have "all the fingerprints" of an al Qaeda operation.

"This is criminality, terrorism at its worst, and there is no justification for it in any way, shape, fashion or form," Powell said.
(More: DefenseLINK.mil)
2003 © U.S. Department of Defense.

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