22 Killed in Saudi Attack

Top al Qaeda figure purportedly claims responsibility

Sunday, May 30, 2004

(1:13 PM ET) (17:13 GMT)

The Cable News Network

CNNArabic.com Editor Caroline Faraj contributed to this report

"The terrorist attack in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, was a cowardly and despicable act of murder. We grieve for the loss of innocent life and share our deepest condolences with the families of the victims. These terrorists have no respect for human life and no regard for the principles of Islam."

Troops jump from a helicopter to a complex where hostages were held.

Image Credit: Photo -- Al Arabiya / Map -- CNN

CNN
Twenty-two people were killed Saturday when gunmen stormed a compound housing oil workers, the Saudi Interior Ministry said Sunday.

A man believed by authorities to be the top al Qaeda figure in Saudi Arabia later purportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a statement read on Saudi state-run TV, the Interior Ministry said one of the four attackers was captured, but the others escaped despite a strong security presence around the residential complex where they had holed up with hostages.

A manhunt was under way for the three, one of whom was wounded by security forces, the statement said.

Earlier Sunday, a hostage standoff between the gunmen and police in the eastern city of Khobar ended, Saudi authorities said.

Officials said most of the hostages were safe and well, according to Al Hayat newspaper editor Baria Alamuddin. They later recovered the bodies of the victims.

The standoff ended after Saudi security forces were helicoptered onto the roof of the building where the hostages were believed to be held.

Gunmen were holding up to 50 hostages, many believed to be Western oil workers, inside the complex since Saturday. One witness told CNN the gunmen seemed to target Westerners.

(More: CNN.com / World)

2004 © Cable News Network LP, LLLP.

Dan