RIYADH, 13 May 2005 — Security forces arrested a suspected militant following a siege in Buraidah in the Qasim area yesterday.
The suspect, who had fled into a residential area in Al-Muwatta District in Buraidah, was caught after an hour-long standoff. He is now being questioned by the police.
The drama began when the unidentified gunman fired at a police patrol after being told to stop. The gunman fled on foot as the police gave chase.
“The gunman escaped, leaving behind his vehicle,” Ministry of Interior spokesman Lt. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki said. Police sealed off the district and waited out the gunman while ensuring the safety of the residents.
In early April, Qasim witnessed a standoff that lasted nearly three days. Security forces fought a pitched battle with terrorists, killing 14 and arresting a number of them in Al-Rass, 300 km north of Riyadh.
