Crown Prince Abdullah vowed on Saturday to crush militants out to harm the Kingdom’s economy in this video grab shortly after a suspected Al-Qaeda attack on the oil city of Alkhobar killed several Saudis and foreigners. (Reuters)

JEDDAH, 30 May 2004 — Crown Prince Abdullah yesterday said citizens and security forces must work as one to stamp out terrorism. “This corrupt and deviant group must be eliminated,” the crown prince told a group of visitors including senior academics referring to the hostage drama in Alkhobar.

Prince Abdullah said the triple attack killed more than 10 people including Saudis and expatriates and emphasized the government’s resolve to track down terrorists and their supporters.

He said the terrorists wanted to destroy the economy and create chaos and confusion here. “By the grace of God this country will remain secure,” he said. He estimated the number of terrorists involved in the latest attack at no more than four or five.

“This deviant group says they want to scare away foreigners but the foreigners have come here to serve the country. In fact we brought them here and they are under our protection,” the crown prince said.

He urged all citizens to inform the police about terror suspects.

“We will take them and they will not get away. We will wipe them out no matter how long it takes,” he added.

The crown prince said university teachers in particular had a duty to enlighten their students about the dangers of terrorism. Silence was not an option.

“Those who keep silent about terrorists will be regarded belonging to them,” he added.

Dr. Osama Tayyeb, the president of Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz University, presented the crown prince with a copy of the latest university bulletin which focused on combating terrorism.

Also yesterday, Interior Minister Prince Naif said the Saudi leadership and people would stand together in the fight against terror.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah have given instructions to deal with this deviant group with an iron fist,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted Prince Naif as saying.

The interior minister renewed his call to militants and terror suspects to surrender.