JEDDAH, 14 September 2003 — Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, yesterday reiterated Saudi Arabia’s determination to stamp out terrorism even if it takes a long time.
“I can tell you the good news that they (the terrorists) will be defeated, God willing. We are after them no matter how long it takes,” the crown prince told tribal leaders from Tabuk and Najran.
The tribal leaders condemned the terrorist attacks in the Kingdom and pledged their support for the government’s efforts to track down terror suspects.
Prince Abdullah thanked the tribal leaders for their support and commended their patriotism. “As for the deviant few, we’ll crush them. We are after them even if it takes a long time,” he said.
Prince Abdullah yesterday received delegations from the Makarima, Hudail, Nahd and Bani Attiya tribes, who denounced the terrorist attacks and said they would stand united by the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has stepped up its campaign against terrorists and their supporters following the May 12 triple bombings on Western compounds in Riyadh which killed 35 people including Saudis and expatriates.
In an address to the nation last month, Prince Abdullah urged Saudis to give their full cooperation to the Kingdom-wide crackdown on militants, and warned that sitting on the fence was not an option.
Meanwhile, Prince Abdullah sent a message to Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh on strengthening bilateral ties. The message was handed to the president by Prince Muhammad ibn Naif, assistant interior minister for security affairs.
