RIYADH, 2 May 2004 — The diplomatic community has expressed shock and outrage at the killings in Yanbu yesterday.
US Ambassador James C. Oberwetter condemned the attacks and extended his condolences to the victims’ families.
“The kind of horrific attack in Yanbu must be condemned by all who want to see peace and prosperity in the Middle East,” the ambassador said, adding that the United States appreciates all that the Saudi authorities are doing to fight terrorism.
Yves Duval, the press and information secretary at the Canadian Embassy, told Arab News that it was sad that innocent civilians had been targeted and added that Canada had full confidence in the Saudi government and its ability to handle the situation.
Australian Ambassador Robert Tyson said he had received reports that one Australian had died of injuries received during the attack.
“This kind of terrorist attack on an innocent civilian population is not a solution to any problem,” said Sri Lankan Ambassador Ibrahim Sahib Ansar.
The US Embassy has renewed its security warnings as a result of yesterday’s attacks. It advises US citizens to remain alert to the continuing threat of anti-American violence, including possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, the Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa.
