JEDDAH, 8 September 2005 — DNA tests are being performed on the terrorists who were recently killed in a three-day battle with security forces in the eastern city of Dammam. The number of terrorists killed in the battle was not announced, but at least five were killed. Four policemen were also killed in the armed confrontation which ended about midday Tuesday when Special Forces stormed the seaside villa which the militants had taken over.
“We are conducting DNA tests to determine the identities of the terrorists killed in the Dammam battle and we will announce their identities soon,” Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki said. He declined to say whether any militants had been captured alive.
The gunbattle that lasted for three days paralyzed the entertainment industry on the Dammam Corniche. The total losses are estimated at more than SR5 million. Customers and visitors stayed away from the area because of safety concerns.
The security forces closed down the area. During the current summer vacation, the area normally received some 10,000 visitors on normal days with more on weekends.
