RIYADH, 11 November 2003 — Terrorists used three vehicles including a stolen patrol police jeep for Saturday’s suicide bombing, Al-Watan reported yesterday quoting a security source. There was intense exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces in front of the Al-Muhaya Compound’s main gate before the blast. Security guards allowed the patrol jeep to enter the compound thinking it belonged to the police.
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The Interior Ministry has allocated two toll free numbers 990 and 980 for the Saudis and residents to inform the authorities about the security situation.
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The explosion destroyed 12 villas in the compound completely and damaged 100 others, according to Muhammad ibn Saleh Al-Muhaya, the owner of the 200-villa compound. The compound was established about 30 years ago, he said, adding that most of its residents were Arabs.
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Security has been tightened in Riyadh, especially in the Diplomatic Quarter where foreign embassies and consulates are located. Journalists are not able to enter the blast-hit compound as a result of security measures.
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“I spent more than 20 minutes under the debris,” says Tarek Khaleel, an Arab whose leg was broken as a result of the blast which took place while he was playing basketball with his friends.
