RIYADH, 27 June 2004 — A Canadian couple who survived the Al-Hamra housing complex bombings have written to thank Assistant Interior Minister Prince Muhammad ibn Naif for the swift response of the security forces.
Their letter provides a vivid eyewitness account of the suicide bombing that started off the string of terror attacks in the Kingdom. The text of the letter follows.
On Monday evening, May 12, 2003, there was a terrorist attack on the Al-Hamra complex. We would like to express our gratitude to all those wonderful people who helped us on that evening.
My husband was asleep. I was reading a book when the attack took place. We heard noises and my husband woke up and went downstairs to check the strange disturbance. As he went out, standing by a number of large glass doors, an explosion went off and threw him inside the room. His arm hit a table near the bed. My husband was badly injured and was bleeding heavily.
With the great help of employees in the complex, we brought him outside. Then, a policeman took him in a patrol car to a first-aid medical unit. The officer drove the car carefully along the side of the road past all other cars. This professional behavior of the officer had saved my husband’s life.
John was in an urgent need of medical attention. The nurse rushed him to the emergency unit and managed to stop the bleeding. Then, an ambulance was called in and my husband was taken to a specialized medical center. The medical team was wonderful.
In all this terrifying experience, we sensed the kindness and experienced the help of Saudi citizens. And we would like to express our thanks, appreciation and gratitude for this.
Although my husband was badly hit and it will be some time before he heals, we remain strong supporters of our friends, the Saudis.
Since the Al-Hamra bombings, security was the main concern of the rest of the residents. The additional security from the National Guard in the complex comforted us to a great extent.
We appreciate these efforts of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect us, and we sincerely hope that this commitment will continue on a long-term basis.
With thanks and gratitude,
Mildred and John Rogers
Canadian citizens
