JEDDAH, 26 September 2006 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah gave SR50,000 each to the mothers and wives of Saudi security officers who died in confrontation with terrorists during the past three years.
The cash awards were distributed at a ceremony organized by Al-Nahda Women’s Charitable Society in Riyadh on the occasion of the National Day.
Two daughters of the king, Princess Aadila and Seeta, attended the event, which was opened by Princess Sara Al-Faisal, chairperson of the society.
Forty-seven families of the dead security men attended the function.
“We are proud to receive the mothers and wives of our great martyrs who sacrificed their lives to defend the country’s security and stability,” Princess Sarah said in her inaugural speech.
Princess Aadila distributed the cash awards to the mothers and wives of martyrs while Princess Seeta gave each of them valuable watches and three gold coins.
At least 90 civilians, 55 security personnel and 136 militants have died in a wave of terrorist attacks that hit the Kingdom since May 2003. Hundreds more have been wounded.
King Abdullah commended at the ceremony on Saturday the combined efforts of security men, armed forces and the National Guard in the Kingdom’s successful campaign against terrorists in the country.
The king said the government would leave no stone unturned in its fight against terrorism and urged militants to surrender. The Kingdom has set up a special committee of experts to educate militants and change their distorted views.
