Regards, Ivan
Posted on 06/20/2004 11:04:32 PM PDT by MadIvan
AL-QAEDA terrorists in Saudi Arabia who kidnapped and beheaded the American engineer Paul Johnson claimed yesterday they were helped by sympathisers within the Saudi security services.
The militants said police uniforms and vehicles used to stage a fake roadblock where Mr Johnson was abducted were provided by "co-operators who are sincere to their religion in the security apparatus".
The claim, posted on an al-Qaeda website, highlighted fears voiced by diplomats and westerners in the kingdom that militants have infiltrated Saudi security forces - a possibility Saudi officials have denied.
Mr Johnson, 49, a helicopter engineer, was murdered on Friday after demands to release al-Qaeda prisoners were ignored by the Saudi authorities.
A search continued in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, yesterday for Mr Johnson’s body and for those responsible for his death.
Saudi officials told militants that they would not allow them to destabilise the kingdom, and warned they would share the fate of their leader, Abdulaziz al-Muqrin - who was shot dead by security forces on Friday - unless they gave up their fight.
In a strongly worded condemnation of the militants yesterday, the Saudi ruler, King Fahd, said: "We will not allow a corrupt group led by deviant thought to violate the security and stability of this land.
"The real Muslim has nothing to do with these actions and has no sympathy for those who carry them out," added the king.
Saudi security forces last night surrounded a house in central Riyadh where suspected militants were believed to have fled after a brief exchange of gunfire at a traffic-light, security officials said.
Police cars and armoured vehicles and a large contingent of emergency forces filled the area, and blockades were set up at all the entrances to the al-Malaz district.
Sandy Mitchell, a Scottish former Saudi prisoner, spoke yesterday of his friendship with Mr Johnson, describing him as "one of the kindest men I have ever known", and recalling how the American and his Thai wife supported his own wife while he was in prison.
Regards, Ivan
Ping!
Oh I have no doubt Al Qaeda has friends in the Saudi establishment.
It could be true. It could be false. OTOH, it is more likely to be false because the only reason to say so is to hurt the prime objects of their ire--the Saudi royals.
I don't WANT to believe these murdering monsters but somehow this just seems to fit. I don't trust the Saudis as far as I can throw them! I bet they DID help murder Paul Johnson. We really need to stop calling the Saudis "our friends".
Agree, likely false.
Also, Al Qaeda use to never take claim for their acts...more recently they have take claim...now? Now they are telling details, or claiming to tell details????
Hints to me the Saudi's did hurt them, this cell, pretty good.
"A corrupt group led by deviant thought" such as the Wahabbists, who have always been funded by the Saudis, perhaps?
Absolutely.
If al Qaeda really had significant help from inside the Saudi security apparatus it is highly unlikley that al Mukrin's body would now be lying rotting in the sun denied prompt burial. He'd be long gone and safe.
If al Qaeda really had significant help from inside the Saudi security apparatus it would be the very last thing they would publicize. They aren't stupid people: misguided in the extreme, but not stupid.
This statement is clearly intended to sow distrust within the Saudi security apparatus and make it less effective right now when they are making real inroads against al Qaida.
It is highly suspect for these reasons.
BTTT
It could also be highly credible for the reasons you stated. Just change the intimidation to the royal family. This might be the opening salvo in a palace coup.
Also,there have been several reports of translators for the FBI celebrating after 911.
I think we'll find terrorists or their sympathizers nearly anyplace we look. :(
"The real Muslim has nothing to do with these actions and has no sympathy for those who carry them out," added the king.
I beg to differ, Mr. King. Those Muslims are as real as they come.
The Saudis are probably fairly ticked that this came out. It exposes an awful lot.
Yes, that was my thought. If they were so cozy with the Saudis, why spill the beans? It's possible that what they say are true, but it's also possible they're trying to create more instability in Saudi Arabia.
Could be. Complex situation. The Saudis have a long tradition of double-dealing, trying to appease both sides - not exactly "friends" in the sense that the word is understood in the West. This is a pretty detailed account, so some of the claims could be checked maybe.
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